Gilead Sciences and the National AIDS Memorial
History of the National AIDS Memorial’s Partnership with Gilead Sciences
Gilead Sciences is dedicated to discovering the next generation of HIV/AIDS breakthroughs, with an extensive early research and development program forming the foundation of its efforts to help end HIV/AIDS. Beyond its scientific roots, Gilead’s support and work with advocates and organizations across the country are essential to its mission to end HIV/AIDS. Gilead believes that it takes both science and social change to help end HIV/AIDS worldwide.
In 2014, the National AIDS Memorial Grove was vandalised in the night. The sacred space for healing, hope, and remembrance experienced destruction that required extensive restoration efforts. Despite having little previous relationship with the National AIDS Memorial, Gilead Sciences raised its hand and provided the volunteer and financial support needed to restore the Grove.
In the years since, Gilead’s support and partnership with our community have strengthened. From financial support and sponsorship of our scholarship program to countless volunteer hours and beyond, Gilead’s ongoing partnership continues to provide invaluable support for our essential mission and programs.
The National AIDS Memorial Grove
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a 10-acre memorial for those impacted by AIDS. Located in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, it's a dedicated space for healing, hope, and remembrance. This sacred ground honors those who have fought against this ongoing epidemic.
Each year, volunteers from Gilead Sciences gather to create and maintain this sacred space for healing, hope, and remembrance. Their work includes planting the Grove’s trees, plants, flowers, and shrubs, removing countless tons of brush and debris, and supporting large hardscape and infrastructure projects.
Gilead employees at Volunteer Workday in the Grove
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The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship
Dedicated to continuing Pedro Zamora’s legacy, the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship is a $5,000 award that covers school costs for young activists and nonprofit changemakers who work in their communities and carry forward the torch of the late activist Pedro Zamora in the struggles for social and health justice.
The scholarship is open to current or incoming undergraduate students (ages 27 and younger) enrolled in a U.S. community college or four-year university. From 2009 to 2026, more than $825,000 has been provided to 204 scholars through the generous support of Gilead Sciences and other partners.
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Pedro Zamora Young Leader Scholarship winners
Gilead former-Senior Vice President Sandrine Peret-Girard speaks at Light in the Grove 2025
Light in the Grove
As our country’s only federally designated memorial for AIDS, the National AIDS Memorial hosts a series of events around World AIDS Day.
On November 30th, the eve of World AIDS Day, the National AIDS Memorial hosts an annual fundraising gala, Light in the Grove, to support our essential mission and programs. This breathtaking community experience has been recognized as the Bay Area’s best LGBTQ+ fundraising event. Gilead Sciences is a longstanding Presenting Partner, making this powerful celebration possible.
World AIDS Day
The National AIDS Memorial hosts a pivotal observance each year on World AIDS Day, gathering the national community to heal, hope, and remember lives lost to HIV/AIDS. By sparking powerful conversations, the National AIDS Memorial highlights the pressing issues impacting the HIV/AIDS crisis each year. By sharing the story of the struggle against HIV/AIDS, we fight against stigma, denial, and hate for a just future. Gilead is a longstanding Presenting Partner of our World AIDS Day National Observance, creating a space for these powerful and essential conversations.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and panelists at World AIDS Day 2025
Gilead Sciences CEO Daniel O'Day remarks at 2019 World AIDS Day Obvservance