By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Our article series shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community. This series will celebrate the individuals whose impactful work is crucial in shaping and strengthening our community. From activists to dedicated volunteers and professionals, these unsung heroes embody the spirit of resilience, compassion, and advocacy that defines Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ landscape. This time, we spoke to Olivia Chelko, the Director of Development and Communications for Positive Impact Health Centers.
Tell us how you got involved in the Atlanta LGBTQ+ scene.
I got involved in the Atlanta LGBTQ+ scene after graduating from public health school at Emory in 1999. My journey truly took off when I became the Executive Director of AIDS Athens, where I dove deep into the vibrant LGBTQ+ community of northeast Georgia. Over my decade there, I was thrilled to expand our services—growing our annual budget by a million dollars and increasing our housing program from just ten clients to over 450. I also spearheaded initiatives to provide over 1,000 HIV tests annually in Athens and helped establish an incredible $8 million resource center that offers everything from healthcare to childcare for the homeless.
… and what is your involvement today?
Since joining Positive Impact Health Centers as the Director of Development and Communications in August 2016, I’ve loved engaging with the LGBTQ+ community through awareness events, speaking engagements, and fundraising activities. I’m grateful to remain connected to these spaces in both Athens and Atlanta, fostering relationships that strengthen our state.
I truly love Atlanta and working in this field; it has brought the most incredible people into my life and, more importantly, into the lives of my children. In my role at Positive Impact Health Centers, I find immense joy in the intersection of fundraising and marketing. I leverage my creativity to craft compelling campaigns that not only raise funds but also tell powerful stories about the lives we impact.
How long have you been with PIHC – and how did you get started?
I have been with Positive Impact Health Centers for eight years, and my journey in the field of HIV spans two decades. Having known the dedicated staff at this agency for a long time, I was inspired to make a larger impact on the state, which led me to my transition to Atlanta. One of our agency’s greatest strengths lies in our ability to bring people and organizations together, a facet of public health that I deeply enjoy and excel at. We are at the forefront of HIV care and prevention, and I am thrilled to contribute to our ambitious goal of getting 15,000 individuals in care by the end of 2026. The small role I play in helping us reach this significant milestone and work toward ending the epidemic in Atlanta is incredibly rewarding. I take great pride in highlighting the impactful programming delivered by our talented and creative staff at PIHC.
Being surrounded by such passionate individuals, activists, and patient advocates is truly empowering, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this vital work.
What are some of the most significant accomplishments in your role?
One of my biggest accomplishments in my role is overseeing the publication of the agency’s annual report to the community. This annual project allows me to collaborate with staff from every department, giving me a chance to highlight their achievements and the significant impact they have on our mission. I truly enjoy helping them tell their stories and engage others in care, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how their hard work comes to life.
In addition to the annual report, I also love organizing shows that bring people together in the community. These events create a space for individuals who are familiar with our work, as well as those who are not, fostering connection and awareness. One of my favorite events is the annual comedy show; it not only entertains but also showcases the agency’s impact in a fun and engaging way. Seeing people come together, share laughter, and learn more about our mission is truly fulfilling, and it reinforces the importance of our work in the community. This year, we will have it at Gas South Theatre in Duluth on Nov. 1st and 2nd, featuring several LGBTQ+ comedians. Get Tickets Online at PositiveImpactHealthCenters.org.
What are some of the challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?
Fundraising and event planning can be a tough journey, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It often feels like a marathon—there are hurdles to overcome and moments of uncertainty, especially during times like COVID. However, each challenge presents an opportunity for creativity and collaboration with other agencies. There’s something truly special about rallying people together for a common cause. When we see the community come alive, whether it’s through an engaging event or a heartfelt campaign, it makes all the hard work worthwhile. The joy of connecting with donors and witnessing their passion for our mission is invigorating. Plus, the impact of our efforts—knowing that we’re making a difference in people’s lives—brings a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to match.
Why is it important for Atlanta to have a resource like PIHC?
The Atlanta community benefits significantly from the resources provided by Positive Impact Health Centers. With a strong commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare access for underserved populations, they prioritize putting patients first. The agency’s culture of continuous learning, combined with evidence-based methods, ensures that it consistently upholds high standards of excellence and remains at the forefront of treatment options. I feel like I have a million elevator pitches ready at a moment’s notice—this agency is an incredible, ever-growing resource for Atlanta.
Can you share a memorable moment or experience from your time working in the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community?
I have so many memorable moments from my time working in the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community! From lively bingo nights to fabulous drag shows and our comedy events featuring Leslie Jordan and Bob the Drag Queen. I’m also incredibly grateful for the LGBTQ+ community in Atlanta and Athens and the profound impact they’ve had on my family. Their vibrant spirit has enriched our lives. I think some of the most memorable moments come from seeing how my work impacts my kids and the advocates they are becoming. My 19-year-old son, who has been tipping drag queens since he was just 2, brought his college friends to my comedy show with Bob. It was a beautiful moment to see him share this part of his mom’s work and her love of it with his community.
While I sometimes worry about balancing events with being a mom, these experiences show my kids that my words match my actions, and this is what it looks like to show up for communities and people you care about. Last year, when a friend of my 14-year-old daughter asked if we were going to the pride parade, she replied, “With my mom, we’re probably going to be in the parade.” She was right.
Who are some of your own personal heroes or role models within the LGBTQ+ community, and why?
This is a really hard question to answer because there are so many inspiring figures within the LGBTQ+ community. While icons like Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson are pivotal to the movement, when you really sit down and think about your personal heroes, they are often the people you meet every day at work and in the community. For me, that includes the incredible local drag queens and kings from the Atlanta Armorettes and the Boybutante AIDS Foundation.
These individuals have been fighting alongside HIV service organizations for decades, and they are the reason doors opened for service agencies across this state. Their performances and dedication during those early days helped pave the way for the vital services we provide today.
This legacy isn’t just limited to Atlanta and Athens; it has reverberated across the entire country, showcasing the power of community and activism in creating lasting change. During the early lockdowns of COVID, I even found myself marking the days of social distancing based on the last time I attended a live drag show.
How do you see the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community evolving in the future, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?
I envision the Atlanta LGBTQ+ community evolving into an even more vibrant and inclusive space, where diversity is not just celebrated but deeply embraced. As an ally, I am committed to playing an active role in this evolution by continually educating myself about the experiences of marginalized groups and amplifying their voices. I believe in the power of listening to their stories and advocating for their needs, ensuring that everyone feels represented and heard. Every day, I strive to be a better ally, fully aware that there’s always more I can do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share or any message you’d like to convey to our readers about the importance of getting involved in the community?
I want to emphasize there are resources available to everyone at our agency. We are here for you, whenever and however you need us—not only in the HIV care space but also in mental health and recovery services. This month is Recovery Month, which resonates deeply with me, as I lost my sister to an accidental overdose in 2020. Positive Impact Health Centers provide comprehensive wraparound services to support individuals through all their journeys. No matter where you are in your path, we’re dedicated to meeting you there.