Sheryl Lee Ralph Rebrands & Expands The Diva Foundation Nonprofit

Sheryl Lee Ralph is rebranding her non-profit, The Diva Foundation, which she founded initially to eradicate the stigma around HIV. In the aftermath of the pandemic and battles for social justice in recent years, the foundation is seeking to broaden its programming efforts to empower communities to achieve better health outcomes.

The new multi-layered program features five pillars - Health Awareness, Women and Girls, LGBTQ+, Social Justice & Racial Equity, and Food & Housing Insecurity.

"I have always believed that the core of effective artistic activism is trusted messengers. Trusted messengers make a world of difference because they make people feel seen and heard. They are transparent vessels that bring their lives and full experiences to the table to help others,” said Ralph in a statement.

"The Diva Foundation works hard to ensure that the people who serve are represented by messengers they can trust", she added.

Tech executive, Norman Lee will serve as the Diva Foundation’s executive director to help carry out the new programming initiatives.

"I have been so blessed to have been a part of this work for the last 18 years,” Norman said in a statement.

“When I began volunteering with The Diva Foundation, it started with DIVAS Simply Singing! and me dedicating my time and work in memory of two of my beloved aunts who died from AIDS complications. Over the years, getting to do work in South Africa with our Sisters Circle program or launching new virtual programming like DIVAS Health Awareness Week and hearing the feedback from persons impacted by our service to the community motivates me to want to keep going to reach even more people.”