The 2017 chair of the Dayton Associate Board for Equitas Health (formerly Aid Resource Center Ohio) and its popular fundraiser Masquerage, Wynn was part of the art scene in Cincinnati and New York before moving back to the Dayton area 13 years ago.
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Before starting his career in healthcare, the graduate of Michigan's Interlochen Arts Academy worked as a ballet dancer.
He is passionate about healthcare and he is passionate about his city.
“I feel like I can create whatever type of life I wanted here,” he said. “There is just so much opportunity for growth.”
We caught up with Wynn, this week’s Daytonian of the Week.
MORE: Learn about pass Daytonians of the Week.
Q: What do you do and why do you do it?
A: In terms of my career, I am the Manager of Practice Transformation for Premier Physician Network. I believe that there is a lot work that needs to be done to make the health care experience more consumer and quality focused, so I resonate to roles where I have the opportunity to help improve the health care experience for the Dayton community. In my free time, I am the 2017 Chair of the Dayton Associate Board for Equitas Health, and am the 2017 chair for Masquerage.
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Q: What superpower would you love to have?
A: I would love to be able to slow down time to relish in the amazing moments in life. Time seems to be moving way too quickly.
Q: What do you love about life in Dayton?
A: I love the Dayton scene in general from the restaurants, coffee shops, boutique shops, and course the festivals. There is always something to do (if you're willing to look and try new things) and people seem to genuinely care about improving the community and creating meaningful relationships with their fellow Daytonians. I also love the historic districts in Dayton, such as St. Anne's Hill where I live with my partner. St. Anne's is great because it is such a tight-knit community where your neighbors are really your friends. Some of my best friends are just a short walk down the block.
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Credit: Submitted
Credit: Submitted
Q: How did you get involved with Equitas?
A: When I was in high school, I read the book "Traveling Light," by local author Katrina Kittle. I found it to be a powerful love story that addressed some of the stigmas surrounding HIV, and proved that love and understanding can supersede the stigma surrounding the virus. Since then, I've been on my own little crusade to open minds about HIV and raise awareness about the importance of improved health care for the LGBTQ community. Equitas is an incredible organization with the mission of doing just that, so naturally, I started volunteering with Equitas four years ago.
💋👻💃🏽 The wait is over! The theme of Masquerage Dayton is being announced right NOW! Amazing fashion show by Clash Dayton.
Posted by Dayton.com on Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Q: What is the purpose of Masquerage and how does it come together?
A: Maquerage is Equitas Health's signature biannual event having raised $1.6 million to date. Masquerage is one of the largest public opportunities to raise awareness and critical funds for HIV/AIDS medical care and treatment, HIV prevention (including PrEP), and a variety of other services like primary care, behavioral health counseling, and dental care - one of the highest unmet needs for those living with HIV. While Masquerage is led by the Dayton Associate Board for Equitas Health and the Equitas Health Development Team, we couldn't pull it off without all our community partners, designers, caterers, entertainers, DJ, and dedicated volunteers! It really takes an entire community to create an event where guests can become lost in a fantasy world for the night. Speaking of which, the theme for Masquerage 2017 is "Lost Worlds."
>> PHOTOS: 2015 Masquerage
Q: Where do you go for a great time?
A: There are so many options in Dayton for having a great time, I just I try to have a great time anywhere I go.
Q: What should people know about Dayton?
A: I think it is important that people start moving past the stigmas they have placed on downtown. Dayton is rapidly developing and if people are holding on to outdated opinions of what happens downtown, they are really missing out on some cool experiences.
>> MORE: 7 amazing things to do in downtown Dayton
Q: What inspires you about Dayton?
A: The entrepernurial and community based vibe of Dayton inspires me. This vibe and constantly evolving landscape of Dayton makes me believe that I can create a happy and succesful life here. It inspires me to call Dayton my forever home.
Credit: Submitted
Credit: Submitted
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