Alva emphasizes the importance of self-care to be an effective community activist. Activists work many hours under stressful conditions and need to be mindful of their own physical and mental health needs.
During the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Alva was called upon to expand services to meet the growing needs of Spanish-speaking Gay Latino men, as well as men who were having sex with men and women who were infected and affected. She assisted and educated families about HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities, and helped them cope with stigma, fear and death.
Alva shares her thoughts on how to ensure equity and justice during the Covid-19 Pandemic including using existing Nonprofit networks throughout Latino communities as well as radio and social media to improve education and communication to the diverse Latino communities.
Alva continues her work as a consultant as owner of AAM Social Services Consulting.
