About us

Marc Hernandez - Living Positive CEO/Treasurer

I have been living with HIV for 13 years. I am originally from Los Angeles, California, but moved to San Antonio, Texas, 16 years ago. I was introduced into the support group world through BEAT AIDS. 

BEAT AIDS had a support group for men living with HIV, and I attended that group for years. While attending the group I saw a need for a group that included not only people living with HIV, but their loved ones as well. 

In 2017, I created Living Positive. We host our current meetings at Woodlawn Pointe. It has become the biggest HIV support group in San Antonio. I am looking to expand Living Positive to Dallas, in the future. I want to create an environment for anyone who is interested in learning about HIV, to be able to feel comfortable enough to attend.

Aurelio Alcocer - Board President

 I am originally from Harlingen, Texas, and moved to San Antonio in 2012. I became HIV positive on December 11th 2015. After my diagnosis, I was determined to get a job in the HIV field, because I was not educated enough to protect myself. 

After getting hired on at BEAT AIDS, I helped run their HIV positive men's support group and helped create their second group for those that couldn't make it in the morning. I met Marc at our support group meetings and was invited to join his group.

When Marc started his group, I immediately joined at the opportunity to become part of it. I love being a part of the group and look forward to seeing how far we can take the group. I am currently pursuing my bachelors degree at TAMUSA.

Currently I work for the San Antonio Health Department as the Supervisor of the Ending the HIV Epidemic grant.

Sylvia Del Los Santos - Board Vice President

I am not living with HIV/AIDS, but I was around it plenty n my 20s. My wife and I were caregivers for many of the people who were living with HIV/AIDS when the crisis began. We would cook, care, and provide any help that was needed to anyone and everyone. 

After seeing what happened to those that had HIV/AIDS, I felt the need to do more. I saw a lot of hate towards people living with HIV/AIDS and it is what threw me into working for an AIDS service organization (ASO). I have been working at an ASO for many years now, and it has greatly increase my desire to help.

I have also wanted to be a person that other people can come to in times of need, and I have been able to do that ever since. I help people access resources from the community, and help keep people in medical care. 

My goal is to provide as much help to everyone and to make sure that one day I can say "We are living in an HIV/AIDS free world."

Wayne Wientjes - Public Relations Chair

My name is Wayne Wientjes. I am originally from South Dakota, and moved to San Antonio in 1996. I wasn't involved in the HIV community until my diagnosis May of 2015 at the age of 45. At that point I took it upon myself to set up and start advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS.

I met Marc at BEAT AIDS during their HIV positive men's support name. I sit on the Board of Directors for Living Positive. I also hold a seat on the San Antonio Health Resources, Ryan White Planning Council, active in the End Stigma End HIV Alliance, and also a peer mentor for those who are newly diagnosed. 

It has become my passion to advocate for the HIV/AIDS community, and the LGBTQIA community. Nothing brings me more joy than being able to give back to the community I love. "Silence = Death!" "Nothing about us without us!"

Jase Clower - Special Projects Chair

I am originally from Lubbock, Texas, and moved to San Antonio in 2009. I was diagnosed February 2005. I attended the HIV positive men's support group at BEAT AIDS where I met Marc. 

When Marc created his group I was asked to be on the board of Living Positive. I am currently the Secretary of Living Positive. I recently became a member of the Ryan White Planning Council. 

I have a bachelor degree in Secondary Education from LCU, and a masters in Presidential History from Texas Tech. Another masters in theological studies and biblical translations from LCU, and a PH'D in World History from Rice University. 

I was let go from my professor job because of my HIV status, and chose to become an advocate for the community, and help normalize the HIV conversation in the workplace. 

Mary Helen Gloria - Fundraising Chair

Mary Helen Gloria was born and raised in San Antonio TX. She is the youngest of her 5 siblings. She is a Proud Graduate of Sidney Lanier High School and attended San Antonio College. She became a Strong Advocate for Latina women in 1994 when she became a Founding Member of Mujeres Unidas Contra El SIDA and later was named Executive Director. She is a long term survivor of 28 years and has made it her mission to help anyone living with HIV. She has been a Co- Chair of the Ryan White Planning Council along with participating in many of their committees. She recently stepped down and now spends her time with her Sister, Rosie, family and friends. She is a Proud Member of the Rainbow Seniors Group and still assists her former clients with any problems they have in receiving services. She recently adopted a cat and is living her best life and enjoys trips to her "Happy Place" the Casino!!

Octavio "Tavi" Contreras - Entertainment Chair

Octavio was born in Mexico but raised in Andrews Tx. He moved to San Antonio in March 2020. In November 2022 he competed and won the national title of Mr Gay Universe 2023. He's worked for Stripes/7-eleven for 13 years. In his free time he like Hanging with friends, Crafting or making costumes for his performances

Robert Cardoza - Substance Abuse Resource Chair

Robert C. Cardoza, Jr. is a native of San Antonio, TX. A graduate of Southside High school, Robert then went on to earn his AAS in Deaf Support Specialist from San Antonio College, and a BAAS Criminology from Texas A&M San Antonio. He is an Adjunct Faculty member in the ASL Interpreter Training Program at San Antonio College and an Adult Probation Officer with Bexar County CSCD. He has been an Interpreter for the Deaf for 23 years. Robert can often be found volunteering his time at Woodlawn Pointe and participating in #ASLNight events around the community. Robert is excited to become a part of Living Positive San Antonio to provide support and promote HIV awareness in our community.