Meet Marvell!
FCAA is pleased to welcome Marvell Terry II (He/Him) to the FCAA team. As the Senior Program Manager, Marvell will be expanding the organization’s programming and community building efforts. Learn more about Marvell!
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I see myself as an angelic troublemaker. I strive to do good wherever I go and challenge systems and structures that create barriers for marginalized communities. I am a cultural organizer who takes joy in bringing people together, inspired by my grandma who did the same every Sunday after church. Lastly, I consider myself an artist because I believe mobilizing people is an art form.
Q: What drew you to this role and to FCAA?
A: I have been an admirer of the work of FCAA for a few years. Specifically, I had the opportunity to work closely with FCAA during my time leading the Southern HIV Impact Fund (AIDS United), which FCAA helped launch and supported for years in the U.S. South. The annual funding reports have been a guiding light and an accountability tool for the philanthropic community.
As a person living with HIV, I believe that the road ahead is something we cannot navigate in isolation. What attracted me to this new role of Senior Program Manager was the emphasis on collaboration, as the fight ahead will require the efforts of all of us. With so many populations under attack right now – whether by political unrest or by antigender and antirights movements – it’s essential that the work we do builds relationships and collaborations across silos to strengthen support for the communities most impacted by HIV. In this role, I get to be part of the disruption – ensuring that funding gets to key populations globally and convincing human rights donors to understand why HIV is their issue, and HIV donors to understand why human rights is their issue.
[Editor’s note: To learn more about Marvell’s background and his focus on health equity, we encourage you to read this excellent piece on AIDSVu: Marvell Terry II on Black Men in the South, HIV, and PrEP]
Q: What does your role mean to you?
The role is very important to me. I see it as an opportunity for fund activism (I might be creating a new word). It’s a chance to challenge and change the structures of philanthropy. It’s about ensuring that key populations globally have access to funds to continue their programs, fight against harmful legislation and systems, and continue to build a sustainable and equitable future for key populations globally.
Q: What are you excited to learn about FCAA and the community it serves?
A: I am very excited to learn from the diverse membership and network of funders who support movement-building work. The Funder-Activists I met in Munich for AIDS2024 were inspiring, and I am eager to continue learning from them and others in the community.
Q: Finally, what is something that people may be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m often assumed to be a fan of BBQ sauce because I’m from Memphis, but I actually don’t care for it. Another surprising fact about me is that I’m currently working on a solo artist exhibit that explores the theme of Black Queer Men and Pleasure.