Shellye Byers

Shellye Byers hails from Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in the Washington, DC area. Affirmative action allowed her father to become one of the first black Secret Service Agents at the White House. Her mother had a different calling and servitude…. she was a preacher. Needless to say, the passion for community and service is something that comes naturally to her. She went to school in Northern Virginia and taught Special Education for over 20 years. In 1998 when she received her diagnosis, she struggled and became depressed. But she soon realized that during that time, although in the fight of her life, God was right there alongside her. “My mantra today is I am none the worse for the wear. Today I’m proud to work as an advocate for women infected or affected by HIV to help them find their voice. I simply let them know that HIV is a part of them but doesn’t define them.” She co-chaired the AIDS Walk 2021 in Phoenix and she had the honor of speaking for World AIDS Day. She served on the Board of Directors for Phoenix Shanti Group and is currently serving as Minister of Outreach for the Berean Bible Church. Her superpower is her unique ability to help women find themselves outside of their HIV status. Shellye is a positive role model in her community and continues to work to support women by advocating, educating, and demonstrating leadership in her community.