At the STAR Program, women have been central to our mission from the very beginning—driving innovation, advancing equity, and shaping a more inclusive future for HIV care. In recognition of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we honor the trailblazing women whose leadership continues to transform the lives of women living with and impacted by HIV in Brooklyn and beyond.

Since 1990, the Special Treatment and Research (STAR) Program at SUNY Downstate has led the charge in providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to women’s needs. Co-founded by Dr. Jack DeHovitz and Dr. Howard Minkoff, STAR has built a legacy of culturally responsive, patient-centered services—from gynecological and prenatal care to mental health and case management.

This legacy lives on through an incredible team of women leaders at STAR and SUNY Downstate. Dr. Deborah Gustafson and Dr. Tracey Wilson co-lead the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS), a landmark national research effort studying HIV in women. Their work explores the intersection of HIV with mental health, aging, and healthcare access—critical issues in communities like Central Brooklyn.

Dr. Susan Holman, a longtime champion of public health, has directed WIHS and MWCCS since their inception. Her earlier leadership in Downstate’s Perinatal HIV Transmission Study helped change the landscape for maternal care and HIV prevention.

Other powerhouse women pushing the field forward include Dr. Tonya N. Taylor, who develops prevention strategies for older women; Dr. Sabina Hirshfield, leading digital outreach through eHealth initiatives; and Dr. Ashley Grosso, whose research examines stigma and structural barriers to care. Each of these leaders plays a vital role in STAR’s ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes through innovation, research, and community-centered care.

Their collective impact can be felt across our programs, outreach campaigns, and clinical services—reminding us that the fight against HIV is deeply human and led by those who care boldly and act fearlessly.

We are proud to stand with these women and continue building a future where every woman has access to the care, respect, and resources she deserves.

🔗 Read the full article from the Office of the President