Black Educational AIDS Project, Inc - Staff Bio: Project Manager

Sally S. Cherry, BS, MT(ASCP)

HESSO/CRCS Project Manager

In November 2007, I joined the staff of the Black Educational AIDS Project, Inc (BEAP) as the HESSO/CRCS Project Manager. The position offers me an opportunity to participate in and support the grassroot efforts to improve the health status of various Baltimore City communities.

I believe that everyone has a God-given “path” whether pursued or not. Therefore, I am delighted that my path has brought me to BEAP. I am looking forward to using my professional and personal inventory of skills, knowledge, talents, spiritual gifts, and resources within BEAP. As a champion for networking and “resourcing”, it is my desire to build and strengthen collaborative relationships among the multiple constituency groups and government agencies that work with and for BEAP’s targeted population. Needless to say, I was excited to learn that my BEAP duties included developing and maintaining community networks with the local health departments, substance abuse prevention/treatment community, community-based organizations, and AIDS service organizations.

Professionally, I am an ASCP-certified medical technologist. For twelve years, I worked as the STD Laboratory Coordinator/Lab Training Coordinator within the Baltimore City Health Department-Bureau of Disease Control (BCHD/BDC). It was at this time that I discovered my passion for public health education. Since 1990, I have worked as an independent laboratory consultant specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In this role, I conduct clinician training courses pertaining to the laboratory procedures used in the diagnosis of STDs and STIs.

Since graduating from Morgan State University and Union Memorial Hospital - School of Medical Technology, I have traveled a multi-faceted career path. Over the past thirty-four (34) years, my career path has led me to… medical research at Carnegie Institute of Washington - Department of Embryology… laboratory medicine at Union Memorial Hospital… administration and supervision at the BCHD/BDC… laboratory consulting and training at the Region III STD/HIV Prevention Training Center… and international health with JHPIEGO. My STD laboratory “path” lead me to international health consulting and laboratory training in Turkey, and the motherland... Africa. From 1989 to 1996, I had the opportunity to travel and work in Egypt, Kenya and Uganda for various consulting and training assignments. The professional experience changed me and my outlook on life, people, and what is important as defined by society. This professional and personal change was embraced as I connect, reach, serve, and give to my local communities.

Now, my path has brought me to the Black Educational AIDS Project, Inc.

"For this is The path that was given..."