Monica Malta

Dr. Monica Malta is an award-winning global health researcher, professor, and activist dedicated to advancing gender equity, LGBTQ+ health, and human rights. A domestic violence and HIV/AIDS survivor, Monica turned her lived experiences into a lifelong mission—transforming scientific research into real-world solutions that empower marginalized communities. Her work challenges traditional, top-down research methods, advocating instead for Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)—a model that ensures affected communities are active partners in shaping solutions to their own challenges. Through this approach, Monica has worked closely with sex workers, LGBTQ+ individuals, survivors of domestic violence, and people living with HIV/AIDS across Brazil, Mozambique, Kenya, and Uganda, among other countries. Her impactful initiatives include: (1) Prepara Nem – A free college prep course for transgender individuals, where 80% of participants have gone on to earn university degrees; (2) Entrepreneurship Training – Equipping LGBTQ+ youth with business skills to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion; (3) RISE App – A lifesaving mobile tool offering a panic button, mental health support, and safe route mapping to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from violence; and many research studies and interventions conducted all over the world to improve the lives of others surviving HIV/AIDS and/or domestic violence. Her research and advocacy have influenced national policies, improved services, and saved lives—not as a savior, but by amplifying the voices of those most affected. A TED speaker and global health expert, Monica continues to challenge traditional academia, pushing for research that is inclusive, actionable, and driven by the communities it serves.