About Us
LetsStopAIDS was founded in 2004, by the then 15-year-old Shamin Mohamed Jr. with a few high school students. They decided to take on a challenge to educate youth in Canada and globally about HIV. Unfortunately, their school principal thought they were up to no good. Despite the lack of support and obstacles along the way, the charity was officially registered, volunteers associated with it grew to over 400, and great coverage has been received from local and international media. Our ability to make an impact with just volunteers has been possible because we have not forgotten our original goal: To inspire young people affected by HIV to take action, within their local communities.
Scroll down to read about our mission, our values, the media coverage we have received, and to see the leadership team driving this charity.
Our Vision
Zero New HIV Infections
Every youth is given the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to make this vision a reality.
Living Positively
Every youth living or affected by HIV must be given equal, fulfilling leadership opportunities that allow them to live their life.
Our Values
Our mission is to engage young people in the promotion of HIV prevention through open spaces
that encourage dialogue.
SHARE
We share information and knowledge about HIV. Teamwork and diverse alternative
ideas are at the core of this initiative.
INSPIRE
We inspire youth to take action, within local communities. Young people must
be given fair opportunities in leadership roles to express their creative skills.
CREATE
We create a global network of youth-HIV peer educators. Through youth
leadership and volunteer opportunities, we promote HIV prevention and positive living.
Founder & President
Shamin lives by his motto, “All it takes is one action to make a dream a reality.” When Shamin was 15, he was devastated to learn about the death of children as a result of HIV. He wanted to make a difference and prove that youth have a strong impact on society.
He founded LetsStopAIDS with a small group of high school students and very quickly became an inspirational speaker to thousands of youth in over 60 countries, from Antarctica to Zimbabwe, promoting the message that youth can truly make a difference.
Shamin, who has always been keen to take action and create new leadership opportunities, started LetsStopAIDS from an idea which has now evolved into an open team that young people and their communities develop its key programme priorities, as opposed to shareholders.
Shamin is a recipient of the DAREarts Leadership award and was recognised as one of Canada’s ‘Top 20 Under 20’ for innovation, leadership and achievement. He has been the president of his middle school and high school. He was also the Toronto District School Board’s SuperCouncil President representing 86,000 secondary students in 103 secondary schools. He is a founding team member and a former director of operations at DECIEM The Abnormal Beauty Company. Shamin is an University of Ottawa graduate with Honours Baccalaureate in graduated in Health Sciences. He is also is a certified Project Manager.
Born in Toronto with a Guyanese background, Shamin is a humanitarian, inspirational speaker, a leader and a follower who believes everyone can achieve their dreams, once they strive for it.
Chair, Board of Directors
Paul is one of the oldest members of LetsStopAIDS and has been around since about 2007.
He provides logistical and operational support to the Leadership Team and has spoken with former and current LSA volunteers about making a contribution to the organization though even the smallest of actions.
You will find Paul mostly in Canada helping keep the organization running and successful, but he plays a hand in making sure that our overseas missions are a major success.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian Studies from York University in Toronto and is in the midst of completing his Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.
Vice President, National
Hunain completed his Doctor of Medicine from Windsor University School of Medicine. He has always had a strong affinity for public health, preventative medicine, and social awareness.
He has lead multiple preventative health projects, and relief missions globally, and published patient literature on mental health and social issues. Currently, Hunain is the National Vice-President of LetsStopAIDS where he leads the development of engaging national projects including youth-focused HIV awareness presentations and workshops.
He provides strategic-level input and medical expertise to help determine the strategy/direction of LetsStopAIDS.
National Manager
Tatiana, PMP, MBA, began her career with Fundação Dom Cabral, a Business School in Brazil, gaining unparalleled experience in the education space, while also establishing herself as a respected Project Director. Currently working as a National Manager for LetsStopAIDS, where she started as a volunteer Program Manager, Tatiana is in charge of leading LetsStopAIDS’ team and she is responsible for all National Programs. Her desire to contribute and work within the HIV and AIDS field came from a need to spread information after some relatives became HIV positive. Passionate about people, mentorship and leadership, through LetsStopAIDS’ projects she looks to promote change and knowledge exchange among youth. While her professional and personal projects have taken her to Canada, Tatiana is proud to call Toronto home.
Vice President, International
Currently a Ph.D. candidate in molecular genetics, Lia is passionate about science communication and investigating public health issues.
In 2011, Lia joined LetsStopAIDS as an International Youth Ambassador “Spread Trees, Not AIDS” programme based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim was to collaborate with youth attending the KwaHilda Ongcwele Community Care Centre at various sites in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to lead environmentally sustainable lives and understand the impacts of HIV on the community at large.
Since then, Lia has transitioned to Vice-President of Youth-HIV Programmes and coordinates our international HIV programs, such as the International Youth Internship Program, and the creation of the LiveLifeLoving online portal.
VP Development
Jeremy has a background in management consulting and works for a Big Four firm in financial services, technology and business transformation. He has experience and exposure to a broad range of innovative solutions that businesses need to face complex challenges.
He has brought this very problem solving energy and advocacy to LetsStopAIDS. He focuses his spare time on advancing charitable causes and is committed to raising funds that can be used towards eliminating the prevalence of HIV and its associated stigma among youth.
Vice-President, Communications
Aquin is an editorial and communications expert with over 20 years of experience. He has worked for national and international newspapers, news websites, international magazines, and has headed a successful media company that provides marketing communication services to global brands. Aquin has worked in the past with non-profit organizations such as the Emirates Culinary Guild in Dubai, and the Kalyan Eparchy Youth in Mumbai. His involvement has allowed their voice and success stories to be heard by a larger audience, and he intends to replicate that success at LetsStopAIDS.
Aquin has a Bachelor’s degree specializing in financial auditing and accounting, a Master’s degree specializing in business management, and an executive education certificate in marketing from MIT – Sloan School of Management. During his free time, he loves mentoring students who want to make their mark in the editorial and publishing space.
Vice President, People & Culture
Ben (he/they) is the perpetually caffeinated VP, People and Culture with LetsStopAIDS. Ben has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Ryerson University and a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Seneca College. They currently work in HR with the Government of Canada and volunteer with LetsStopAIDS, LGBT Youthline, and Pride Toronto. When Ben isn’t sending GIFs and memes to colleagues, they can be found daydreaming about cats and coffee.
- Fewer condoms, more apps: The sex lives of Canadian teens
- Condom use among young adults has declined in the pandemic, survey shows
- Shamin Mohamed marks World AIDS Day by continuing the work he started as a 15-year-old
- MuchMusic Live with Jesse Giddings for World AIDS Day
- Good News Toronto - Speaking Out About AIDS, September 2008
- The Villager - Resident inspires youth to take action, July 31, 2008
- Toronto Star - T.O. youth leads AIDS crusade, July 30, 2008
- Toronto Star - Canada's Emerging Global Citizens, February 28, 2008
- Going the distance, the News, January 14, 2008
- In rural Exeter, young issue-oriented activists hone their skill, August 10, 2007
- Grassroots effort to stem HIV and AIDS transmission in India a success, August 2, 2007
- Teen on mission to educate AIDS-infected kids in India, July 27, 2007
- Radio-Canada International interview
- Changing lives, Canadian Way - June 21, 2007
- 24 Hour - Helping them understand - July 17, 2007
- CBC Newsworld - AIDS in India - July 17, 2007
- Teen on mission to educate AIDS-infected kids in India - July 17, 2007
- Dinamani - June 24, 2007 - Part 1 - Part 2
- Deccan Chronicle - Canadians help fight AIDS in city - June 21, 2007
- U of O student to tackle HIV in India - June 15, 2007
- Making a world of difference: U of O student fights AIDS from Brazil to India - May 24, 2007
- The Second Mission Impossible: uOttawa students take on AIDS in India - May 22, 2007
- One|80, Youth Aim to Save Generations of People through AIDS Health Program - May 20, 2007
- CTV Ottawa - March 24, 2007
- Ottawa Sun: AIDS woes keep students awake
- A Channel Morning Show/ Top 20 Under 20 January 19, 2007
- MuchMusic's MuchTalks: AIDS Documentary December 1, 2006
- AIDS 2006 – Young People Control the Future of the Response!
- XVI International AIDS Conference LetsStopAIDS.org: Question Answered by Bill Clinton & Bill Gates at first session of AIDS Conference
- Toronto Star – Tough Issue to Get Teens Thinking About
- August 15, 2006 – CBC News – Live Update from the International AIDS Conference
- AIDS 2006 – Podcast Interview with Shamin Mohamed Jr. at XVI International AIDS Conference
- National Post – Young Activists Get Help from Heavyweights
- Toronto Sun Orange Puts Disease in Perspective
- The Villager – Teen Making a Difference in War on AIDS
- CBC Newsworld – PreConference and information about Children’s AIDS Health Program
- Flow 935 – InStudio Interview for International AIDS Conference in Toronto
- The Villager: Local teen making a difference
- cNews: Orange puts disease in perspective
- CBC RadioCanada Téléjournal Orphelins du SIDA July 27, 2006
- CBC News at Six South Africa Misison, July 27, 2006
- Cape Argus: Canadian youth help AIDS children
- Toronto Star Volunteering offers 'many psychological benefits'
- 24 Hours: Teen leader headed to help in Africa
- The Villager: Runnymede student on mission to inspire
- 24 Hours 'Youth can make a difference': 17yearold backs up his words, creates nonprofit organization
- Canada Extra Teen's ambition is to stop AIDS
- Metro News Toronto Young gogetter heads charity
- What's Hers Magazine Children's AIDS Health Program
- Rogers Video Shamin Mohamed Jr. Documentary
- OmniNews/CFMT: World AIDS Day
- CTV Canada AM Morning Show
- NextStep Magazine Super Teens
- The Village Gleaner: Runnymede Collegiate student kicks off AIDS awareness campaign