Project Reina is a 501c3 created to empower African-American and Latina girls ages 13 to 24 to cherish themselves and their bodies through the promotion and support of pro-wellness and HIV/AIDS education.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people in the United States ages 13-24 are at persistent risk for HIV infection. This is especially disproportionate for youth of minority races and ethnicities. African-Americans now account for 50% of all Americans currently estimated to be living with HIV and a staggering 61% among youth aged 13-24. In 2005, Hispanics accounted for 20% of the new diagnoses in the U.S. while only representing 14% of the total population. 63% of the cases among young women included high risk sexual activity that directly or indirectly increased their risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. A survey commissioned by the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation found that among young women who have had intercourse, fully one third (33%) of them have NEVER had a conversation about STDs with a partner. Girls need good information presented in a way that moves them to care about their well being and their futures. Project Reina seeks to raise awareness about this epidemic among young girls through support of education and outreach programs focused on prevention and treatment throughout the country. We will host and participate in community outreach programs and assist nonprofit organizations that encourage and support the physiological and psychological well being of young women and girls. We will create PSA’s, employing a peer group approach: girls educating, encouraging and empowering other girls. Actress Gina Ravera, founder and President of Project Reina was raised with the belief that we were put on this earth to be of service to others.  “There was a time that people chose to ignore this epidemic because it didn’t affect their community directly. HIV/AIDS is spreading like wildfire among our young people and it would be irresponsible for us to wait until there is no turning back. Now is the time to act.”