Western and Central New York Dinner
Saturday, May 16, 2026
at
Rochester, NY
Organized by HRC Western and Central New York
Featuring
Dr. Bill Valenti - Trailblazer Award
Dr. Bill Valenti is an infectious diseases physician, clinical virologist and co-founder of Trillium Health’s legacy HIV clinic, Community Health Network, Rochester, NY. He is Professor of Clinical Medicine in the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, is chair of the Infectious Diseases Committee of the Medical Society of the State of NY and the New York State Health Department Advisory Committee to End the HIV Epidemic. He has done HIV Medicine, research and policy since the beginning of the epidemic in 1981. These activities have helped improve the health of people with HIV/AIDS and made an impact on HIV treatment as we know it today His current research interests include defining strategies for HIV prevention, vaccine confidence, and test and treat options for viral infections. A self-described “middle-class overachiever,” he has a partner of 26 years and an orange cat, and collects bowling balls and flamingoes as garden art.
Nik Harris - HRC VP of Strategic Initiatives
Shenika “Nik” Harris (she/they), is a queer gender non-conforming attorney, activist, and speaker. She is a nave of Tallahassee, Florida and obtained her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University and her law degree from Florida State University. She is licensed to practice law in Florida and Washington DC. Nik currently serves as the Vice President of Strategic Outreach and Engagement for the Human Rights Campaign and previously served as the LGBTQ Consumer Advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Dana Goldberg - Comedian / “Out100” Honoree
As seen on ABC, TBS, and Last Comic Standing, Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. With performances at the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, The Comedy Festival produced by TBS and HBO, and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, her quick wit and playful stage presence have earned her loyal fans across the world. In addition to headlining theaters and festivals, Dana has performed at and emceed hundreds of high-profile events, sharing the national stage with luminaries like President Barack Obama, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Meryl Streep, Carol Burnett, Sir Elton John and countless others. Combining her gift of humor with humanitarian efforts, Dana has raised over $70M for non-profits around the country in the fight for LGBTQ rights, women's health, and HIV/AIDS education and prevention...just to name a few. With over 150,000 followers, Dana was recently named to OutMagazine’s Out100 List, Curve Magazine’s Power List and GO Magazine’s 100 Women We Love. She is the co-host of the top-rated news podcast The Daily Beans (250,000 weekly downloads) and is currently developing her first TV pilot with Soto Productions (Tony Award winning Suffs The Musical and Laura Benanti’s Nobody Cares).
Join Us for the HRC Western and Central New York Dinner
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Welcome Reception: 5:00 PM
Dinner & Stage Program: 6:30 PM
Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
123 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14604
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