Meet Darriyhan Edmond | Founder/Co-Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darriyhan Edmond and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darriyhan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Project RED Paint, Inc. was founded in 2018 as a personal response to witnessing close friends face the reality of an HIV diagnosis without the essential support they needed. Watching them go through those initial, isolating moments—feeling alone, stigmatized, and uncertain—was incredibly difficult. I saw firsthand how much more they needed in terms of guidance, understanding, and community.

Too often, I saw friends struggle to find support systems that could truly meet them where they were and help them feel connected rather than isolated. This lack of accessible, affirming support compelled me to create Project RED Paint as a space that could fill these gaps.Our mission is to equip both individuals and organizations with the tools, training, and peer support necessary to create a truly inclusive and supportive community. By focusing on capacity-building and empowering advocates, we aim to transform how HIV services are delivered. This way, no one has to navigate the challenges of an HIV diagnosis alone, and those providing support can make an even greater impact. Through Project RED Paint, we strive to ensure that every person affected by HIV has access to affirming, community-centered care and the opportunity to thrive.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded in 2018, Project RED Paint, Inc. was established to empower and uplift individuals and organizations committed to serving communities affected by HIV. Our mission extends beyond just awareness; we focus on capacity building, peer support training, and equipping agencies and organizations with the resources they need to make lasting, positive impacts. By working closely with these entities, we enable them to improve their services, expand their reach, and create safer, more inclusive environments for those living with or affected by HIV.

What sets Project RED Paint apart is our commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and genuine empowerment. Unlike other organizations, we provide ongoing support that doesn’t stop at just the basics. Our programs are built to evolve with the changing landscape of HIV advocacy and services, addressing emerging needs and offering customized support to help agencies achieve their goals. We pride ourselves on our ambassador program, which engages individuals from various backgrounds to share their voices and experiences, bringing a human-centered approach to the advocacy landscape.

I’m incredibly excited about the future of Project RED Paint and the new paths we’re paving to support those affected by HIV. As we grow, I’m looking forward to expanding our ambassador program to bring even more voices and perspectives into our work. The potential to form new partnerships and offer advanced, impactful training to organizations truly excites me—it’s a chance to deepen our impact and help other groups become stronger advocates in their communities.

Looking ahead, I’m also eager to see how we can innovate our approach to capacity building, adapting to the changing landscape of HIV advocacy and ensuring that Project RED Paint remains a source of powerful, lasting support. There’s so much promise, and I feel incredibly proud to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to creating positive, meaningful change.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love good food, so we’d definitely visit some of my favorite spots like Vortex, Daiquiri Factory, Fin and Feathers, and JJ’s Fish and Chicken. Ponce City Market is also a fantastic place to explore—with great shops, delicious food, and an all-around amazing vibe. Since I’m into nature, we’d spend some time at Piedmont or Grant Park, maybe have a cozy picnic together. Atlanta has so much to offer, so depending on the time and day, we can see what’s happening around the city and find something fun to do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible family and mentors. To my wonderful mom, Arachaulo Bright, and my amazing dad, Robert Edmond—thank you for your unwavering love and support, always being my rock and guiding me through every challenge and triumph. To my bonus parents, Thaddeus Works and Latonia Wilkins, thank you for the encouragement and wisdom you’ve shared with me. And to Dwain Bridges, my mentor and previous boss, your guidance has shaped my journey and given me the tools to grow in my career and life. I don’t want to forget anyone, but these are the major individuals who have been there through it all. I’m beyond blessed to have each of you in my corner. Thank you for inspiring me every day.

Website: https://projectredpaint.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_yhaniii/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darriyhanlynell.edmond.9/

Image Credits
Darriyhan Edmond