In this interview, we talk to Gilles Charette, the executive director of HARS (HIV/ AIDS Regional Services). Gilles is an entrepreneur, having run multiple businesses before taking leadership of an NPO and growing it these past few years. His story is game changing.

After traveling to go to college to become a minister, he realizes something he’s always suspected but hasn't understood, and when he comes out, there are questions. So many questions. How do I fit? How does my faith fit with who I am? And what do I do about it? It is remarkable story, and Gilles is completely transparent as he talks about meeting his husband at an LGBTQ accepting church, his wedding nuptials (in which his minister had to wear a flak jacket because of protests) and the life changing efforts of his team at HARS, who look after those in the margins.

I was grateful to have the privilege to interview Gilles, and when you hear his story, you’ll understand why. His positivity and empathy are infectious, and though he downplays his importance, it’s clear why he has risen so high and what makes him so effective as a leader and a role model.