Dear Mazzoni Center Community,

After three years of supporting the health and wellness of our community, I have made the decision to return to DC to be with my husband. I was fortunate enough to meet him here in Philly decades ago when we were both working to register people to vote. As he likes to joke, Rick Santorum brought us together. Being apart has honestly been challenging for these past three years. As such, my last day with Mazzoni Center will be March 31st.

When I accepted this role three years ago, I was proud to return to Philly, where I grew up, to serve this incredible organization, one that has made such an impact on the lives of thousands in our community. Many of us know the challenges of accessing healthcare. Mazzoni Center is a place that not only sees you for who you are but cherishes and values you for being you. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated staff at Mazzoni Center, who work each day to ensure our community is cared for, respected, and treated with dignity.

During my time here, we have eliminated the wait list for care, making it easier for people to access services. We have built an integrated model of behavioral and medical care and expanded our offerings to keep Mazzoni Center at the forefront of LGBTQ health. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the incredible team at Mazzoni Center. I thank you for your dedication and hard work.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to what is not a goodbye but rather an opportunity to express my deep appreciation for each of you. From our amazing patients and clients to our donors, volunteers, staff, and board: you make Mazzoni Center the special place that it is.

It has been an honor to serve in this role for the past three years, and I look forward to continuing to support our community through the challenges ahead, just from a different space and place.

With appreciation,

Sultan