Events
Announcing: our Inaugural Community Impact Awards
These awards, sponsored by the Rochester Victory Alliance Community Advisory Board, recognize individuals whose activism, education, outreach, advocacy, and community efforts have advanced research towards HIV prevention and treatment.
The 2026 awardees are:
Catherine Bunce, RN, MS., and Jackie Dozier.
As the longtime Clinical Research Coordinator of the Rochester Victory Alliance (2001-2025), Cathy Bunce‘s leadership helped shape a stronger, more responsive network of support for those living with HIV. Through her work, clinical care became a gateway to advocacy, and advocacy became a bridge to research, ensuring that the voices and experiences of patients informed the future of HIV treatment and prevention.
Our other awardee is Jackie Dozier, whose work with Common Ground Health, Trillium Health, barbershop education initiatives, faith aligned outreach, and creation of A Call to Women of Color (which celebrates its 20th year in 2026) have demonstrated her commitment to health equity and a world without new HIV infections. Jackie’s work since the 1990s has not only advanced awareness, but has shifted lives, restored community, and strengthened the very foundation of community care in Rochester and beyond!
Join us!
The awards recognition will occur Monday, May 18th in recognition of HIV Vaccine Awareness Day at Roar Nightclub (621 Culver Ave) from 6-8:30 pm. A light selection of food and a cash bar will be available.
Please RSVP at https://redcap.link/ar5fxuxr, or by emailing us as rsvp@rochestervictoryalliance.org. Reservations must be received by Friday, May 8th.
Outreach Events
Our community ed team loves to mingle with the ROC community!
There are still plenty of chances to drop by one of Rochester’s many events this summer and chat with us, pick up some pointers on HIV research, and grab some *stellar* swag.
Spring 2026
Monroe County Library Tabling
1st and 3rd Fridays, starting date tba
Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County
115 South Avenue, downtown Rochester
Meet with our student interns and learn about RVA’s history in HIV research, access materials on HIV prevention, and find out how to participate in a vaccine study to help end the HIV epidemic.
RIT Spring Service Fair
Friday Jan 30, 11 am – 1:30 pm
Fireside Lounge, RIT Student Alumni Union
Part of this year’s RIT FreezeFest, the Community Service Fair will feature more than 30 area nonprofit organizations.
URochester LGBTQ+ Social/Drag Show
Wednesday Feb 4, 4:30 pm
Feldman Ballroom, Frederick Douglass Commons
The Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center hosts this spring’s annual LGBTQ Life Spring Social and Drag Show at University of Rochester’s River Campus. Enjoy sushi, mocktails, community, and an interactive drag show.
Sweetheart Soiree at The Exchange
Saturday Feb 14, 7 pm
18 Flint Street
The first Valentine’s Day event at The Exchange in The Refinery, Rochester’s newest arts spot. Featuring live music, burlesque, comedy, drag, food, crafts and more!
Doors open at 7:30 pm; show at 9:00 pm, and dancing after 11 pm. See https://www.facebook.com/events/3314592492047796 for ticket pricing and more details.
National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS
Genesee Baptist Church
Saturday Mar 1, 2 – 4 pm
149 Brooks Ave
Aaron Brown will speak on March 1 ahead of this year’s National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. NWPHA was first known as The Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS and The Harlem Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. It pioneered the advent of HIV/AIDS awareness calendar campaigns.
Highland Hospital Health Fair
Friday May 8, noon – 4 pm
1000 South Ave
Details to come!
Seneca Park Zoo Pride Day
Saturday June 13, 9:30 am – 5 pm
2222 St. Paul St.
A long-standing pop-up Pride event hosted by Rochester LGBTQ+ Together, Pride Day at the Zoon features animal engagements throughout the day, Queer Story Hour, and a ticketed Drag Brunch. Find us in the community resource tables area.