Celebrating a “Hero Among Us”: Ahonkhai’s Recognition by the Boston Celtics

March 13, 2026

Aima Ahonkai stands with the MGH Medical Practice Evaluation Center team, Tennessee team, and Nashville Cutting Out Stigma barbers who are all involved in the program. — Aima Ahonkhai (center, in a gray blouse and white skirt) stands with others involved in the pilot intervention of Cutting Out Stigma, including the Massachusetts General Hospital Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC), Tennessee team members, and the Nashville-based barbers.

Aima Ahonkhai, MD, MPH, current HMS Faculty Fellow, has been selected by the Boston Celtics as a “Hero Among Us” - an honor she will receive at halftime during the March 16 game against the Phoenix Suns. This recognition highlights her exceptional leadership in advancing community-driven health equity.

Ahonkhai’s innovative work began in Tennessee, where she partnered with Black barbers and community organizations to launch Cutting Out Stigma (COS)—a barbershop-based education and multimedia initiative designed to reduce HIV stigma and connect community members to prevention and care. Building on the deep trust and relationships within barbershop spaces.

Through the support of the HMS Faculty Fellowship, Ahonkhai has expanded the reach and vision of Cutting Out Stigma—partnering with trusted community spaces to address health inequities, reduce stigma, and promote wellness. The fellowship has provided essential space, mentorship, and community that have enabled her to broaden the initiative’s impact and strengthen its model for sustainable, community-driven health promotion.

OCCE congratulates Ahonkhai on this well‑deserved recognition and celebrate the important work she is advancing at the intersection of scholarship, community partnership, and public health impact.