This is bigger than a diagnosis – This is about HER
By Alisha Reese, CMT
JA Health Editor
“Me telling my story, me showing up, me walking in my reality, that was the release. That was my freedom.”
– Dominique Grant
For Dominique Grant, authenticity became her superpower, freeing her to embrace who she truly was after being diagnosed with HIV in 2015. Having spent years of living in silence and surviving domestic violence, Grant became intentional about living boldly. She described 2024 as the year she found freedom, embracing the belief that God hadn’t canceled her out, so no one else had the authority to do so.
The moment Grant stopped waiting for permission and began living in the present, her reality shifted. She currently serves as an HIV advocate, speaker, and Ryan White HIV Case Manager with Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center. Grant is also the founder of Her End Zone, a women’s empowerment experience centered on knowing one’s worth, protecting one’s peace and playing one’s position. The vision came to life in August 2026, when she hosted her first event in West Jackson.
Having attended Her End Zone, I appreciated its hands-on approach and the opportunity for women to actively engage rather than simply listen. The atmosphere felt safe and welcoming, allowing participants to share experiences, reflect on personal challenges, and connect with one another. The conversations were impactful and the message appeared to resonate with the attendees.
Through role-playing scenarios, the panel demonstrated how to identify red flags in relationships, delivering a clear message on the importance of establishing healthy personal boundaries – one that resonated deeply with me. Her End Zone offered straightforward, thought-provoking conversations that challenged everyone in attendance to become more self-aware while also taking the time to reflect on the patterns they may have overlooked or accepted in their own lives.
Grant explained that the inspiration for Her End Zone began with her diagnosis and a word she felt God consistently placed on her heart: ‘Her.” While attending a paint party, she decided to do her own thing, painting the words “Be Her,” a simple expression that eventually grew into a larger vision. She further explained that Her End Zone is for women who feel held hostage mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, or financially. “We’re putting it in a zone. We’re putting an end to it,” Grant said.
Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences became the foundation for her advocacy platform, Walking in Reality, through which she encourages others to move beyond shame, silence, and stigma. That same willingness also led to other opportunities. While attending a speaking engagement in 2024, Grant met Dr. Joyce Turner-Keller, who later contacted her about advocacy work with Louisiana Can. The relationship eventually led to Grant’s participation in the upcoming documentary Beyond the Diagnosis. A production team traveled to Mississippi to film inside Grant’s home, where she shared reflections on her diagnosis, her personal transformation, and her work in the community.
“I’m beyond HIV. I’m beyond my diagnosis,” she said.
For Grant, the documentary represents another opportunity to encourage people to find hope, remain faithful, and recognize that their circumstances do not have to determine the rest of their lives. She continues to expand her advocacy through leadership roles and community partnerships. Grant serves as a 2026 HIV & Faith Ambassador with Wake Forest University School of Divinity, an HIV is Not a Crime Ambassador with Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and a member of the Mississippi HIV Planning Body. She also chairs the Southern Health Alliance Community Advisory Board.
As an ambassador for Merck’s Your Hive of Whole Health initiative, she also emphasizes the importance of whole-person wellness. Grant’s Hive includes her family, faith community, friends, and the women she advocates for every day. She also plans to strengthen partnerships with churches and faith leaders to encourage conversations about HIV, sexual health, prevention, and mental wellness. It is her belief that these discussions are essential to reducing stigma and helping people feel comfortable seeking support.
I was eager to learn about Grant’s self-care routine. She did not hesitate to emphasize that her own wellness is a priority. She described walking, spending time near water, practicing conscious breathing techniques, and maintaining a positive mindset as important parts of her daily routine.
“I don’t wanna just look good. I want to feel good,” she said.
Looking ahead, Grant hopes to make Her End Zone an annual event and eventually establish a nonprofit organization to expand its reach through partnerships and community support. Her vision is to continue creating opportunities for women to connect, confront difficult experiences, and celebrate their progress without waiting for outside approval.
“Her is not waiting for permission. Her becoming begins now,” Grant said.
For a woman who once felt unable to speak openly about her own life, the freedom to share her story has become a powerful way to encourage others. Today, Grant embraces a declaration that reflects both her personal journey and the message she carries into her advocacy: “I live HIGHER IN VICTORY because of HIV.”
At the time of this interview, Dominique had not viewed the completed documentary. She expressed complete gratitude to everyone involved in the project.
Beyond the Diagnosis will make its world premiere on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Tara Theatre (Screening Room B) in Atlanta, Georgia. Tickets are on sale now via Eventbrite. The same day, the film will launch on the JaroGO streaming platform.
