TAYN Ep. 65 - Jason Grueneich

Jason Grueneich is fighting for HIV advocacy and recovery support in North Dakota. Drawing on his experience as an HIV-positive man who has experienced homelessness and addiction, he has helped launch and lead transformative initiatives: North Dakota’s HIV Peer Navigation Program, Bismarck’s first LGBTQ+ recovery group and the state’s first nonprofit dedicated to people living with HIV—Shine Bright & Live.

Jason leads with vulnerability, wisdom and a strong belief in people’s capacity to heal. He is known for his magnetic presence, charismatic communication and ability to bring people together, even in tense situations. He chairs the North Dakota HIV Advisory Board, has shaped public policy around LGBTQ+ inclusion and HIV awareness and built coalitions that include doctors, police departments, libraries and faith leaders. He knows what it’s like to feel hopeless—and what it takes to walk through fire and emerge as a force for others.

With his Bush Fellowship grant, Jason will focus on personal healing as a foundation for his growth as a leader, deepen his nonprofit leadership skills and develop a long-term vision for destigmatizing HIV in rural America.