Necaela Penn

Necaela Penn is a Black trans woman living with HIV for over 20 years.

She has shared parts of her journey with many women living with HIV for many years.

Ms. Penn is an Atlanta native and currently calls Decatur, Georgia her home. She is a loving daughter, sister, and aunt to all who know and love her. Necaela has a quiet and reserved demeanor, but a fiercely independent and bold attitude. She is always eager to share a smile and a kind word with everyone she encounters.

Her advocacy work includes being part of community advocate boards, a recipient of the Barbara Vick aka Barbie Award from Emory University, and a host of other impactful roles and awards over the years. Necaela frequently shares her story with those needing encouragement and support.

She’s also willing to share her successes and failures in hopes of helping others avoid similar pitfalls and find success and meaning in their own lives.