It’s been a robust 48 hours for Anne-Marie Williams. On Tuesday evening, Williams was selected by her colleagues on the Human Services Commission to be its new chair. On Wednesday night, she assumed the gavel to lead the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards on behalf of the Human Services Commission for the City of West Hollywood.
But tucked under the radar was an emotional return to lead the heart of West Hollywood and its Human Services Commission. Williams previously served on the Commission as the direct appointee of John Heilman and was elected chair in 2015. Williams’ work plan was in full swing when Councilmember Meister defeated Councilmember Heilman in the 2015 election. Meister then let go of all of Heilman’s commissioners. Anne-Marie took it to heart. She has a big heart.
Anne-Marie Williams is a 25-year resident of WeHo. She previously worked as the communications manager for Project Angel Food and for the County of Los Angeles. Williams is the direct appointee of Councilmember Danny Hang.
Chair Williams went home Tuesday night after being selected as chair and polished off her program. Congratulations to Sam Borelli for his selection as vice chair of Human Services.
The following are the heartfelt words and program guide to the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards presented by the West Hollywood Human Services Commission.
Good evening, everyone.
My name is Anne-Marie Williams, and I have the honor of serving on West Hollywood’s Human Services Commission. On behalf of the entire Commission, it is our privilege to warmly welcome you to the 25th Annual Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards.
Before we start, I want to acknowledge all the people in this room. We must remember the battle has turned into a fight. We must take care of each other and support our Warriors here tonight.
I will share this with you. In 1993, I worked for APLA on Vine. I was in charge of the special event volunteers under Mr. Jim Williams. It was my first experience with HIV/AIDS and with the trans community.
I was raised to treat everyone with respect and community. I had a few volunteers, both gay and trans, who came to the office to volunteer to give back, as APLA took care of them at no cost. Amazing. I had a wonderful man volunteer, I called Cowboy, who volunteered for three weeks. On Monday, I came in and was waiting for Cowboy, and I was confused why he wasn’t there. Jim pulled me into his office and told me Cowboy had passed away over the weekend. I cried fast. I cried hard. I had mucus coming out. I am an ugly crier.
My trans sisters came in to volunteer, and being a tomboy, I would get makeup tips and clothing critiques. The tea was spilled every volunteer session until they left me one by one.
Before I move on, I remember going to a networking event. As I was introducing myself, “Hi, my name is Anne-Marie,” I was asked where I work. I answered, “AIDS Project Los Angeles.” The offered handshakes were pulled away. Looks of confusion were replaced with turned backs.
We have come a long way, but don’t forget we are being dragged back to that fear and ignorance.
That is why it is so important to honor our Warriors and to remember our brothers and sisters who moved on, and the ones who are still fighting today. [Introduces Mayor Byers.]
Williams continued:
Each year, the City of West Hollywood honors Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day. This creates an opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have passed from AIDS-related illnesses. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) unites people around the globe to join a campaign around specific themes. This year’s theme is Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response, and it highlights the urgent challenges posed by a historic funding crisis that threatens to reverse decades of progress.
West Hollywood was ground zero at the onset of the epidemic. It struck with unimaginable force, and the City was deeply affected. In response, the City became a pioneer in the fight against HIV/AIDS and was one of the first government entities to provide grants for HIV/AIDS services, and it launched one of the nation’s earliest AIDS awareness campaigns. Our proactive approach has been recognized as a model for cities across the country and around the world.
The City’s unwavering commitment and leadership continue to this day, as West Hollywood remains committed to programs that increase access to care and support for people living with, or at risk of acquiring, HIV. With political leadership, international solidarity, and human-rights-centered action, we can still end AIDS by 2030.
LESBIANS
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the lesbian women who answered a call that history should never forget.
At the height of the AIDS crisis, when fear gripped society, solidarity within the queer community grew stronger than ever. Quiet heroes emerged as lesbians rallied to care for their queer brothers who had often been abandoned by society, and in some cases, by their own families.
As widespread fear and prejudice led several health care providers to refuse treatment, these remarkable women answered the call with extraordinary acts of courage and compassion, revealing humanity’s true colors in their brightest form.
Fearless lesbian women stepped up in numerous ways
In 1983, the San Diego Blood Sisters united to give their time and blood to help those in need. These women organized massive community blood drives in response to blood shortages created by bans on gay men giving blood.
San Francisco’s Ward 5B, the world’s first inpatient AIDS unit, was informally led by lesbian nurses and hospice volunteers who created a beacon of hope by providing compassionate and nonjudgmental care.
Compassion poured into the community through leaders like Barbara Fabian, Jewell Thais-Williams, Maryanne Williamson (lesbian?) {laughter}, and the Gay Men’s Health Crisis Caregiving Corps, whose volunteers brought dignity and love to countless people living with AIDS, a testament to the power of showing up when it matters most.
It is with profound gratitude that we remember these women who played critical roles in the fight against AIDS.
Tonight, we remember a true pioneer, a local hero, and feminist lesbian icon, Ivy Bottini.
Ivy’s life was a testament to unwavering activism for LGBTQ+ rights. After moving to Los Angeles in 1971, she immersed herself in the gay and lesbian rights movement. Ivy was instrumental in defeating discriminatory measures, including the Briggs Initiative.
Another giant in the fight was Lorrie Jean, spearhead of AIDS/Lifecycle. Witnessing friends and colleagues falling ill to AIDS, Lorrie chose to show up and make a difference. As the CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Center grew into one of the largest LGBTQ organizations in the world, operating multiple life-saving facilities for people living with, or at risk of acquiring, HIV.
We also recognize Dr. Cathy Reback, a senior research scientist, whose groundbreaking work on substance use and HIV risk behaviors among sexual minority and gender minority individuals has saved countless lives. In 1995, she was among the first researchers in the U.S. to identify and document the link between methamphetamine use and HIV transmission among gay men.
We will also remember Jewell Thais-Williams, a humble hero who really never asked for accolades, she just did the work. As a Black lesbian, she focused on the Black and brown men dying of AIDS in local neighborhoods. She created a safe place to dance, to eat, to socialize, to be educated about issues facing the community, and to receive medical care. She created a network of caring for men and women of color. That we will never forget.
These heroes provided health care support, advocacy, and awareness, and most importantly, dignity. These women embodied the essence of compassion by showing up for the most vulnerable in the hour of their greatest need.
AIDS MONUMENT AND QUILT
Here in West Hollywood, the AIDS Monument in West Hollywood Park was unveiled on Nov. 16, 2025. This monument serves as a powerful, lasting tribute to all those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Nightly, softly glowing pillars create a space for reflection and remembrance, a place where stories live, grief is shared, love is memorialized, and history is made visible. The monument serves as a poignant tribute not only to the lives that were lost, but to the survivors, caregivers, activists, community-builders, and everyday people whose compassion and resistance guided us through one of the darkest chapters in our history.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is an enduring symbol that illuminates love, compassion, and remembrance for those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. On display in the lobby, the AIDS Memorial Quilt, courtesy of the National AIDS Memorial, is considered the largest community arts project in history. It stands as a powerful tribute to the lives and stories of those lost to HIV/AIDS. Today, the Quilt spans approximately 50,000 panels, memorializing more than 110,000 individuals. This monumental 54-ton tapestry continues to grow, preserving stories of love, loss, and resilience from across the globe.
[Chair Williams then introduces former Chair Adolphson.]
Good evening, everyone.
My name is Sarah Adolphson, and I have the honor of serving on the City’s Human Services Commission.
The Warrior Awards recognize outstanding employees and volunteers from local agencies that provide HIV/AIDS and substance abuse prevention and care services. These individuals embody courage, compassion, and resilience, standing on the frontlines to protect health, restore dignity, and uplift lives. By recognizing their extraordinary commitment, the Warrior Awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire others to join the fight against stigma, illness, and addiction, reminding us all that true warriors are those who serve with heart and purpose.
These awards are named in memory of Paul Starke, a dedicated employee of Being Alive, who passed away on Nov. 26, 2001. Paul was deeply committed to social services, supporting at-risk youth, individuals struggling with substance use, and people living with HIV. His significant contributions to Being Alive included serving as a member, president of the Board of Directors, and a staff member.
At this time, we are honored to welcome Hernan Molina for A Call to Action.
Hernan serves as the City of West Hollywood’s governmental affairs liaison and has been a valued member of the City’s Staff since 2001. He has also been a proud resident of West Hollywood since 1992. Before joining the City, Hernan worked for the Los Angeles County Office of AIDS.
Hernan’s professional involvement with the HIV community spans decades, including impactful roles with AltaMed HIV Services and AIDS Project Los Angeles. His commitment to the cause is deeply personal: Hernan tested positive in 1989 at the age of 21, and he has long been openly self-disclosed and a public advocate for increasing HIV awareness within the Latino community. Today, in his role as the City’s legislative affairs liaison, Hernan continues to advocate for and advance the interests of West Hollywood’s residents in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.
Please join me in welcoming Hernan Molina to the podium.
Former Chair Adolphson
Thank you, Hernan. I would now like to welcome the former Poet Laureate of West Hollywood, Steven Reigns. Steven is a Los Angeles poet and has published numerous chapbooks and collections, including Inheritance and Your Dead Body is My Welcome Mat. He holds a BA in Creative Writing and a master’s in clinical psychology, and he is a sixteen-time recipient of the LA County Department of Cultural Affairs Artist in Residence Grant. Steven has taught writing workshops across the country for LGBT youth and people living with HIV. His newest work, Outliving Michael, is a poetic memoir honoring a friend who passed away from AIDS. Please welcome Steven Reigns to the podium.
Thank you, Steven. I would now like to welcome our special performer, Spacee Kadett.
Spacee Kadett is also known as comedian and emcee, Amy Skarb. She is an award-winning Drag King with over 18 years of drag performance experience. Originally from Detroit, and now based in Los Angeles, her background includes professional comedy, immersive theater, acting, and modeling.
Offstage, Amy has worked for more than a decade with at-risk youth and youth with special needs, bringing a strong commitment to community and creative expression.
Please give a warm welcome to Spacee! 
Thank you, Spacee.
And now, we turn to the Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards. Human Services Commissioners will present each award this evening.
We begin with a tribute to a dear friend we lost in 2025, Russell Ybarra. To introduce this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, please welcome Commissioner Sam Borelli to the podium
Paul Andrew Starke Warrior Awards
- Russell Ybarra (posthumous)Lifetime Achievement Award, Capitol Drugs, Presented by Commissioner Borelli
- Miguel Arevalo, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Presented by Commissioner Borelli
- Alexandra Magallon, TransLatin@ Coalition, Presented by Commissioner Williams
- Jack Crozier Inman Jr., Life Group LA, Presented by Chair Adolphson
- Maricor Lopez, APLA Health, Presented by Commissioner Palmieri
- Rob Lester, Men’s Health Foundation, Presented by Commissioner Palmieri
- Jim Scott, Being Alive, Presented by Commissioner Eyers
- Andrew Ramos, C.I.T.Y x1 Youth Group, Presented by Commissioner Wyville
- Chloe Opalo, LA LGBT Center, Presented by Vice-Chair Williams
Chair Williams
Congratulations again on the honorees, and a special thank you to our speakers and to Spacee Kadett.
Thank you to the Staff, Human Services and Rent Stabilization Director, Christine Safriet, Human Services Manager, Teree Carter, Social Services Supervisor, Derek Murray, Social Services Program Administrator, Dee Saunders, and Social Services Specialist, Kat Fierro, for all you do for the Human Services Commission and this community. Don’t forget to shake someone’s hand tonight.
Former Chair Adolphson
Lastly, a big thank you to all of you for being here for this very important event!
WEHOonline story spotlighting winners and their individual biographies can be found here.
