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We are Greater Cincinnati’s nonprofit devoted to positively changing lives in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Through HIV prevention, housing and care, our work to end the HIV epidemic is essential to a healthy community.
two-day learning experience
Policy, Power & Progress: The Fight Continues
8:00 AM–4:00 PM EST
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
1127 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
In a time of uncertainty and change, protecting what we’ve built and sustaining progress takes people who show up, speak out and stay in the fight.
Caraconference 2026 brings together voices from across the movement to highlight the power of advocacy, the impact of smart policy and the collective momentum moving the HIV response forward—together.
After several years of virtual gatherings, Caraconference returns as a fully in-person experience—creating space for deeper connection, real-time learning and honest conversation.
Caraconference 2026: Policy, Power & Progress brings together experts, practitioners and people with lived experience to dig into today’s most pressing issues in HIV. Together, we’ll take an honest look at what it takes to pursue an HIV-free future when progress is being challenged and how we keep moving forward anyway.
Join us in Cincinnati for two full days of interactive sessions, discussion and connection with people who are shaping the HIV response every day.
This year’s topics include:
Continuing Education Credits
CEUs are available for select conference sessions. Social CE approved by the State of Ohio CSWMFT Board: RSX111501 and RCT092501.
Registration Options
This is an in-person only event. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations, and sessions will not be recorded or live-streamed.
October 15–16, 2026 | Cincinnati, OH
9:30 AM–4:30 PM ET
Thursday Pass – $25
Friday Pass – $25
Two-Day Pass (Thursday + Friday) – $40
Breakfast will be provided each day. Space is limited.
*Please note: all registrations are non-refundable.
Scholarships
A limited number of registration scholarships* are available to help reduce financial barriers for community members and students with limited access to training funds.
Apply by August 17, 2026 to be considered. Applicants will be notified of approval or denial by the conference planning team no later than September 4, 2026.
Questions? Contact Adam Reilly at [email protected].
*Scholarships only cover conference registration costs and do not include other items, such as travel, hotel or meals.
Venita Ray
Executive Director, Black South Rising
Venita Ray is the Executive Director of Black South Rising, a Southern-based social justice organization committed to building political power across the Black South. She brings more than 30 years of experience working on a range of social justice issues.
She previously served as co-executive director of the Positive Women’s Network-USA, a national membership organization for women living with HIV, managed a leadership program for people living with HIV and founded the Texas Strike Force, a coalition focused on increasing state-level legislative advocacy.
Diagnosed with HIV in 2003, Venita is deeply committed to racial justice and to developing the leadership and meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in all decisions that impact the HIV community.
Sam Rivera
Executive Director, OnPoint NYC
Sam Rivera is the Executive Director of OnPoint NYC and a deeply respected leader in harm reduction, public health and social justice. With more than 30 years of experience in social services, Sam has dedicated his life’s work to caring for communities most impacted by the criminal legal system, the War on Drugs, HIV/AIDS, mental health challenges, and overdose.
An Indigenous Afro-Taino/Borincua, Sam leads with heart, courage, lived experience and commitment. In 2021, he helped make history by opening the first two sanctioned Overdose Prevention Centers in the US—creating spaces rooted in dignity, safety and love. His leadership continues to shape public health policy through bold, community-driven solutions that center humanity first. Sam’s work has been nationally recognized, including being named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2023.
Meet some of our 2026 speakers—more to be announced soon!
Jaasiel Chapman is a native Cincinnatian who is dedicated to fighting for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. Currently, he works at Hamilton County Public Health as the EHE Program Coordinator overseeing the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. His work there focuses on engaging and empowering community partners with resources and tools to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Greater Cincinnati area. Previously, Chapman worked with IV-CHARIS, the only minority-run HIV/AIDS organization in the area and as a community educator for University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Infectious Diseases Research Center. Jaasiel attended the University of Cincinnati.
T’Keyah Grier, PhD, CHES, is the program director of the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center (MATEC) of Ohio. T’Keyah is a triple alumna of the University of Cincinnati where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree, Master of Public Health degree, and doctorate in health education. She is also a Certified Health Education Specialist and adjunct faculty at UC Blue Ash College and has a strong passion for public health and community outreach. She also loves to coach volleyball and has been a volleyball coach for the past 8 years.
JeMarr Jackson is a HIV Testing Coordinator at Caracole specializing in prevention and community outreach. In his role, he helps to change the lives of those who are living with HIV as well as work to ensure the prevention of HIV for those at high risk. A Cincinnati native, Jackson received his bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Cincinnati. At Caracole, he demonstrates his passion for those living with and at risk for HIV and exhibits the agency’s values through his work in the community. Prior to his work at Caracole, JeMarr also worked with various other populations, including homeless and at-risk youth.
Jada Hicks (she/her), Senior PJP Attorney at The Center for HIV Law & Policy (CHLP) , earned her Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she was certified in Civil Rights and Constitutional Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from North Carolina State University.
Prior to joining CHLP, she served as an inaugural Judicial Fellow for the Administrative Office of the Courts, providing independent and confidential legal research and writing support to more than 370 judges across North Carolina’s Superior and District Courts.
Previously, Jada worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Pitt County, where she prosecuted cases ranging from drug offenses to DWIs.
Jeniece D. Jones, MPA, JD, is the Chief Executive Officer of Caracole, Greater Cincinnati’s HIV services organization. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, public policy advocacy and race equity, she provides strategic direction to advance health equity and community partnerships.
Previously, Jeniece led the Public Justice Center in Baltimore and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) in Cincinnati, driving impactful policy changes in housing, civil rights, and eviction prevention. She also served as CEO of Community Shares of Greater Cincinnati, growing donor engagement by 68%.
A dedicated advocate for social justice, she has been recognized by the Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus and the National Caucus of Negro Women. She holds degrees in Journalism, Public Administration, and Law.
Outside of work, Jeniece enjoys reading and writing speculative fiction.
Sean McCormick (he/him) is a Staff Attorney with the Positive Justice Project, an initiative of The Center for HIV Law and Policy, where he has focused on addressing the HIV epidemic, the overdose crisis, and other related health challenges through legal and policy solutions that center justice for people most affected by systemic oppression. Before attending law school, Sean worked to improve clinical care for people living with substance use disorders, HIV, and HCV, publishing his findings in eight peer-reviewed journals. After graduating, Sean advanced harm reduction and overdose prevention policies in the Chicago Department of Public Health through the CDC’s Public Health Law Fellowship. Sean frequently writes about and presents on effective strategies for ending HIV criminalization and other carceral approaches and implementing evidence-based public health solutions. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois and Bachelor’s degrees in public health and Spanish from The Ohio State University.
Adam Reilly has worked in HIV prevention and with people living with HIV for more than 17 years. His experience includes HIV testing, counseling and both individual and group support services. A longtime harm reduction advocate, Adam helped launch syringe exchange efforts in Cincinnati and played a key role in the passage of Ohio’s 2014 law expanding syringe access statewide.
He was named “Advocate of the Year” in CityBeat’s 2011 Best of the City issue, received the Oscar Armstrong Award from Public Allies in 2013, and led The Cincinnati Exchange Project to win the Cincinnati Business Courier’s 2015 Health Care Heroes award. Adam is a fellow with Caring Ambassadors and serves on the steering committee for the Ohio Health Modernization Movement. He has led Caracole’s Caraconference planning for the past eight years.
Josh builds campaigns that change how communities prevent, treat, and talk about HIV. As Director of Public Health Marketing at KW2, a national agency that works with public, private, and nonprofit partners to empower communities and improve lives, he brings more than a decade of experience with federal, state, and local jurisdictions. Guided by the belief that budget should never limit impact, Josh develops communication frameworks that remove barriers to care and prevention, ensuring that no one is left behind. His work across the country blends behavioral science, community partnerships, and culturally responsive storytelling to move people from awareness to action.
Accomodations & Venue
Here’s where we’ll gather for the conference—and where to stay nearby.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
1127 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202-7226
(513) 421-3555
We’re committed to making this event accessible to everyone. The venue is fully accessible for those with mobility and vision impairments. To request additional disability or language accommodations, please contact conference organizer Adam Reilly at [email protected]. Advance notice may be required.
Kinley Hotel Cincinnati
636 Race Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 381-1100
You can reserve a room at the Kinley Hotel—just a 10-minute walk from the conference venue. Book online or call (513) 381-1100.
Please contact the conference organizer Adam Reilly at [email protected].
To help our team understand your needs, please share a little about what you’re looking for:
