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.
A hybrid learning experience
The Fight Isn’t Over
Registration Opens July 7, 2025
The fight against HIV has come a long way. Advances in prevention and treatment—and years of strategic investment—have brought us closer than ever to an HIV-free future. Across the country, communities have used these resources to expand care, reduce new infections and address the inequities that have fueled the epidemic for decades. It’s a pivotal moment—where science, strategy and community momentum are aligned.
But this progress is fragile. In some regions and states, shifting priorities and stigma-driven policies are already slowing or reversing gains. We know what works—but ending the HIV epidemic will take continued investment in the people, programs and policies that drive real change.
After several years of offering CaraConference as a virtual event, we’re excited to bring back the energy of in-person connection with a new two-day symposium in Cincinnati.
At Caracole’s Caracon Symposium 2025: The Fight Isn’t Over, experts, practitioners and people with lived experience will explore how communities across the country are responding to HIV—what’s working, where progress is stalling and the barriers we still need to overcome.
CEUs will be available for select conference sessions. Social CE approved by the State of Ohio CSWMFT Board: RSX111501.
Sign up below and we’ll email you as soon as registration goes live.
Need help with the form?
Email Adam Reilly at [email protected].
Registration Options
In-Person – $100
Join us in person for the full two-day event, including hands-on breakout sessions, interactive activities, face-to-face networking, and breakfast and dinner. Space is limited—be the first to register when we open on July 7!
Virtual – $75
Can’t make it to Cincinnati? You can still join us online! Register for the livestream option to watch mainstage sessions* virtually.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available to cover registration for people with lived experience—such as, but not limited to, living with HIV, experiencing homelessness or housing instability, or having a substance use disorder—who are not affiliated with or employed by an organization. Scholarships cover registration only and do not include travel or lodging. Applications will open when registration goes live on July 7.
* Please note that breakout sessions and other interactive components are ONLY available to in-person attendees and will not be live-streamed.
Jesse Milan, Jr., JD
President & CEO, AIDS United
Jesse Milan, Jr., JD is a nationally recognized leader in HIV policy with over 30 years of experience in public, private and nonprofit sectors. He is President & CEO of AIDS United and will retire in July 2025 after nearly a decade of leading its national grantmaking, capacity building, and policy and advocacy efforts to end the HIV epidemic.
A trusted advisor and advocate, Milan has served on the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, the PEPFAR Scientific Advisory Board and boards including Funders Concerned About AIDS, the Black AIDS Institute and AVAC. A lawyer, he previously chaired the CDC/HRSA Advisory Committee on HIV and STD Prevention and Treatment and served as AIDS Director for the City of Philadelphia.
Milan has been widely honored for his service, including an honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary and the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the US People Living with HIV Caucus. He has lived with HIV for over four decades.
Meet some of our 2025 speakers—more to be announced soon!
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.
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 Caraconference planning for the past seven years.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
1127 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202-7226
(513) 421-3555
Accessibility
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 symposium organizer Adam Reilly at [email protected]. Advance notice may be required.
Kinley Hotel Cincinnati
636 Race St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 381-1100
We’ve reserved a block of rooms at the Kinley Hotel—just a 10-minute walk from the symposium venue—at a special rate of $189/night. Book online or call (513) 381-1100 and mention Caracole Symposium 2025 to get the discount.
*Rooms are limited—book early to secure your spot!
Please contact the symposium organizer Adam Reilly at [email protected].
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