Kofi Short is the director of prevention services at Milwaukee-based Diverse & Resilient (D&R) driving programming focused on HIV prevention, sexual health and LGBTQ+ acceptance and leadership development.
While working in the arts and international performance, he first became involved in HIV/AIDS prevention in 1999 with the Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City after witnessing the impact the disease had in the dance and theater world.
Upon returning to Milwaukee, Kofi channeled his skills and passions to become more involved in direct prevention work and leadership development among Black gay and bisexual men in the city.
Short has led the D&R programs of Acceptance Journeys, a program addressing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, and numerous HIV / STI testing and prevention programs. He has been published in the American Public Health Association, conducted research for several evidence-based interventions, and has presented research and workshops for the CDC, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin LGBTQ+ Leadership Conference, the Milwaukee Area Health Education Center and various community-based organizations.
Short currently serves as a co-facilitator for the Wisconsin Health Leaders Fellowship Program, a leadership immersion program for gay, bisexual, and trans people of color who are emerging leaders in the field of HIV prevention and care.
