Executive Director

Lorraine Teel has worked to shape a more positive and progressive society for more than 30 years. During that time, Lorraine's work in human services has been extensive.

photo by Sophia Hantzes

As executive director of the Minnesota AIDS Project (MAP) since 1990, Lorraine has helped lead Minnesota's response to HIV for over 15 years. During that time, she has actively participated on many local and national committees, including the Minnesota Commissioner's Task Force on HIV/STD Prevention and AIDS Action Council in Washington, DC.

At AIDS Action she served as co-chair of the public policy committee that saw record increases for Ryan White Care Act funding. As the epidemic continues to change, MAP continues to look for new and innovative ways to stop HIV and enhance the well being of those affected. Under Lorraine's leadership, MAP has expanded programming to include peer-support programs such as PrideAlive, a community building program, and Positive Link, a self-care and advocacy program for individuals living with HIV.

Prior to joining MAP, Lorraine was one of the founders and eventually served as executive director for Eden Programs, a groundbreaking drug abuse treatment center. She also has served as a consultant to non-profit organizations in the areas of drug abuse, criminal justice and women's issues.

Throughout her career, Teel has worked with communities that fall outside of the American mainstream: communities of color; the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community; impoverished persons; felons; and those with substance abuse problems.

Organizations that have benefited from her commitment include the Institute on Black Chemical Abuse (now African American Family Services), La Oportunidad, Progress Valley and Pyramid Mental Health Center.

In 1998, the Human Rights Campaign awarded Lorraine the Brian Coyle Leadership Award for outstanding leadership and service to the lesbian and gay community.

Last Updated: Tuesday, April 3, 2007
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