We are deeply saddened to announce, along with our friends at the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), the passing of Dr. Stephaun Elite Wallace, on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones across the U.S. and globally. The HVTN’s beautiful tribute can be accessed here.
This is a tremendous loss for our community. Stephaun touched many through his multi-faceted work addressing the health disparities of HIV and COVID-19, and as a staunch advocate for health equity and social justice. From the research community to community health workers and advocates, to the faith community and the house and ball community, he connected with and influenced countless hearts and minds through an exceptional combination of intellect, gravitas, heart, and humor. He was known for his willingness to generously share his time, attention, energy, and wisdom to support colleagues in the important work we are all committed to carrying out together.
Stephaun wore many hats, including as a research epidemiologist, social justice activist, and key bridge between the community and scientists. In the UW/Fred Hutch CFAR, Stephaun’s transformative contributions included providing critical leadership in community engagement, first as Co-Director of our Community Action Board from 2015-2017, and then in 2020 by establishing our Office of Community Engagement (OCE) to broaden the integration of community engagement perspectives and work across the CFAR. Within the OCE, he also established our Community Consultative Group, a panel of experts working in local community-based organizations who serve to increase the impact of our CFAR. He was the chief architect of our proposed Community Investigator Award Program, which will aim to provide research funding and training opportunities to community investigators.
The UW/Fred Hutch CFAR is only one of many organizations and groups touched by Stephaun’s brilliance, grace, and dedication. He served as the Director of External Relations for the Fred Hutch HIV Vaccine Trials Network / COVID Prevention Trials Network where he focused on the intersection of public health and social justice to eliminate health disparities of HIV and COVID-19.
We stand with you all in mourning the loss of our exceptional friend and colleague. It is incredibly tragic that a person who dedicated his life to the greater good be taken so prematurely. As we mourn together, we can take comfort in the knowledge that his legacy will continue to impact lives around the world, and we can carry on with the important work that he was so dedicated to.
His family encourages everyone to use this link to post memories of Stephaun. As other opportunities to honor and celebrate his memory unfold, we will share them with you all.
Connie Celum, MD, MPH
Director, UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research
Kenneth Mugwanya, MBChB, MS, PhD
Interim Co-Director, UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research
Susan Mello, EMPA
Associate Director, UW/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research