About Us
We are a team composed of academic researchers, licensed pharmacists, and community-based organizations dedicated to understanding pharmacists’ role in delivering health services to Californians.
Our work is funded and supported by the California HVI/AIDS Policy Research Centers (CHPRCs) and the UCLA Law Center on Reproductive Health, Law, and Policy (CRHLP).
Lead
Vanessa
Pronouns: her/she
Vanessa Warri, MSW is a community-based scholar, strategist, and advocate committed to the safety, wellness, and empowerment of Black queer and trans people, and communities surviving at the various intersections of oppression. For over a decade Vanessa has provided direct social services and community health education for transgender communities, LGBTQ youth, and system-involved individuals. As a social welfare Ph.D. student Vanessa broadly examines the education-health relationship across the lifespan of Black, Indigenous, and transgender or gender expansive people of color.
To this end her research focuses on examining the potential impact of education-based interventions on psychological well being, health outcomes, and health care practices. Vanessa aims to provide an innovative and novel path forward for addressing the long enduring health disparities in her community and provide constructive critiques of the current provision of transgender health services, the medical model, LGBTQ state health bureaucracies, and the biopolitics of transgender health and research.
Interventionists
Vanessa
Pronouns: her/she
Kyler O’Neal is an actress, dancer, singer and writer. Born and raised in the Midwest, Kyler graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications. After a five-year residency in New York City she relocated to Los Angeles where she released her self-published poetry book “Pity Party” and made her musical debut with her first single “Satan’s Tears,” which has been featured in such film festivals as Outfest and the San Francisco Trans Film Festival. She is also known for her recurring role on the BET+ series “Haus of Vicious.” Through her work Kyler advocates for equity, social justice & awareness. For more info on Kyler visit www.kyleroneal.com.
Johanna
Pronouns: Ella/she
As a proud trans-Latina woman originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Johanna Wallace immigrated to the United States when she was only 17 years old. She began her transition in Los Angeles during a time with fewer resources for our community. While she has volunteered with TransLatin@ Coalition since 2010, she was only able to join the organization as a full-time employee in 2023. Johanna is particularly excited to be part of this research project investigating the realities of sex work for trans people of color as it holds immense personal significance to Johanna. As someone who navigated these complexities firsthand, her experience fuels her commitment to contribute meaningful insights and to collaborate effectively with all. Specifically, Johanna shares that she has deeply felt the impact of the shame of sex work in her community throughout her life. She believes her cultural background, personal experiences, and passion for social justice will enrich our research (we do, too) and will ultimately help us to shed light on the needs and experiences of trans sex workers in our community. Johanna looks forward to advocating for positive change moving forward.
Queen Shannon
Pronouns: she/queen
I am Queen Shannon Gipson, a 43 year old black trans woman. As a reborn sex worker, I never saw myself as anything more than a sex object. As a rose that grew through concrete, I aim to utilize my lived experience to create change and empowerment for other black trans women. I am thrilled to be your Interventionist for the SW LEARN research project. This research project is different from most because it focuses on bettering Health & Wellness in your everyday life. As the Chief Operating Officer for Unique Woman’s Coalition, nothing brings me more joy than empowering, uplifting, and motivating my community to greatness.
Suanne
Pronouns: she/her/Ella
Suanne Méndez, a 30-year-old Salvadoran, has traveled a path full of challenges and transformations. Born under the sign of Libra, Suanne came to the United States in 2019 looking for new opportunities. At only 18 years old, she faced the difficult decision to get involved in prostitution, an experience that profoundly marked her life.
Despite the obstacles, Suanne completed her high school studies and developed a strong empathy for people who go through similar situations. Her desire to help others led her to become involved as a volunteer with the TransLatin@ Coalition, an organization that provides support to the trans Latino community.
Currently, Suanne serves as a Peer Navigator, using her own experience to guide and accompany other people in their recovery and empowerment process. Her story is a testimony of resilience and determination, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome adversity and become an agent of positive change.
Tiffany <3
Pronouns: she/her
Tiffany is the Co-director of SWOPLA. She hopes her research experience and years in non-profit work can contribute to this intervention and further HIV-related research. She is excited to work in collaboration with UCLA, UCSF, Unique Woman’s Coalition, and TransLatina@ Coalition.
Yahni
Pronouns: she/her
As a proud Libra, Yahni Rose thrives on balance and harmony, which fuels her passion for community service. Currently an Intake Specialist at the Trans Latina Coalition, Yahni has dedicated her career to supporting and uplifting her community. Her journey is deeply personal; having experienced homelessness and worked as a sex worker during her youth, she understands the challenges faced by marginalized individuals firsthand.
Yahni’s commitment to her work is inspired by the influential figures who have shaped her path, including Sable Simone, Queen Cheala, and Bamby Salcedo. Their empowerment has driven Yahni to make a meaningful impact, especially for Black, Brown, and Indigenous trans individuals navigating similar struggles. Through her role, Yahni is determined to extend the support she once received to others, embodying her belief in the transformative power of service and solidarity.
Miss Elle Rose
Pronouns: she/her/Ella
Miss Elle is a professional BDSM Switch, Spiritual Healer, Health Educator, and Advocate for Affirming Transgender and Neurodiverse Healthcare. Elle grew up on the California/Mexico border of Calexico/Mexicali where she and her family survived gang violence, drug trafficking, addiction, overdose death, domestic violence, homelessness, and sex trade. Elle’s mother was also a sex worker and Elle has committed her professional work to providing affirming care and sex education to all people who practice alternative lifestyles, professions, and people who are Neurodiverse.
Elle is currently studying towards her degree in Health Education and Neuromuscular Therapy and is a freelance Spiritual Mediator & Lifestyle Coach. You can find her services on IG @lugosihealingco ✨ modeling and BDSM inquiries @miss.ellerose 🌹
Partner Organizations
Unique Woman’s Coalition (UWC) is dedicated to being a collective voice centering on the narratives and needs of Black Trans culture. We’re committed to fostering the next generation of black trans leadership from within the community through mentorship, scholarship, and community care engagement work.
The mission of The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) is to advocate for the specific needs of the Trans Latin@ community that resides in the U.S.A. and to plan strategies that improve our quality of life.
Sex Worker Outreach Project Los Angeles
SWOPLA stands for Sex Workers Outreach Project Los Angeles. We are a peer support organization, run by sex workers and for sex workers. Our mission is to pursue our human rights to bodily autonomy, racial and social justice, and mutual liberation through outreach, education, mutual aid and political advocacy.
Our vision is to usher in the reality where all sex workers are valued and respected. We fight for rights, not rescue, and are an independent 501(c)(3) public benefit charitable organization.
