🌟 Cathy Robinson Pickett —
Founder & Director
About Our Founder
Cathy Robinson Pickett is an internationally recognized motivational and inspirational educator and proud Floridian whose decades of advocacy have inspired change locally, nationally, and internationally. Recognized as a National Point of Light and featured in PEOPLE Magazine, she founded Friends-Together after choosing to speak openly about her HIV diagnosis at a time when silence fueled fear and stigma.
Friends-Together works with families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, providing education, health initiatives, and community support in the U.S., Tanzania, and regions impacted by poverty and limited access to care. Her work spans many social justice issues—including HIV/AIDS, victims’ rights, reproductive health, substance use, and poverty—always rooted in compassion and the belief that every voice matters.
She regularly shares her experience in academic, professional, and community settings, fostering awareness, empathy, and meaningful engagement in public health.
Today, she continues to guide Friends-Together with empathy, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community connection.
Our Founder's Full Story
💪Early Advocacy & Courage
Cathy’s journey with Friends-Together began long before the organization had a name. In the early 1990s, she chose to publicly share her HIV diagnosis at a time when stigma was overwhelming and resources were limited. She believed that silence only strengthened fear and became determined to create environments where open discussion, education, and support were encouraged.
Her willingness to speak openly gave others permission to ask questions, seek help, and feel less alone.
🏗️ Building
Friends-Together
She is the Founder and Executive Director of Friends-Together, an NGO that works with families infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in the United States and Tanzania, offering education, health initiatives, and community-based programs.
Cathy spoke, educated, and listened, creating safe spaces for open questions and support. These early conversations grew into community forums, support groups, and partnerships in Tanzania, where she helped local leaders strengthen dignity, health access, and connection.
Through speaking engagements, community workshops, and collaborative efforts, Cathy developed practical, community-driven solutions centered on empowerment, education, and long-term wellbeing.
🌍Global Impact, Programs & Community Outreach
Cathy continues to advocate locally and globally on issues including:
• HIV/AIDS awareness, testing, and treatment access
• Victims’ rights and support for survivors of assault
• Comprehensive reproductive health education for adolescents and young adults
• Substance use prevention and education
• Poverty alleviation and community development
Her leadership also extends to family health initiatives, education programs, financial hardship support, and community development projects across the U.S., Tanzania, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
As a nationally recognized legislative advocate since 1992, Cathy has influenced policy on victims’ rights, HIV testing, reproductive health education, and public health access across local, state, and federal levels.
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🏆Recognition & Honors
Cathy’s decades of work have earned national and international recognition for leadership, advocacy, and service.
Highlights include:
• Named a National Point of Light by President George Bush
• Featured in PEOPLE Magazine for her advocacy and leadership
• Honored by numerous local, state, and national organizations for victims’ rights, HIV/AIDS education, and patient advocacy
• Recognized for international efforts highlighting the needs of women in developing countries, including advocacy for reusable sanitary pads
• Nationally recognized legislative advocate since 1992 with influence across local, state, and federal policy
🏡Personal Background
A native Floridian and daughter of a Methodist minister and college professor, Cathy’s southern roots shape her compassion, humor, and lifelong commitment to service. Her professional career includes many years in higher education, public speaking, and nonprofit leadership.
Beyond her public work, Cathy is most proud of her children, Lyndsy and Garrett, who have grown into young adults with strong hearts for activism and community service.
Closing Inspiration
You are not alone. Your story matters.
