In Memoriam: Tiffany Moritz (1975-2024)

In Memoriam: Tiffany Moritz (1975-2024) 

Tiffany Moritz, a compassionate advocate and dedicated social worker,  passed away on January 14, 2024. Tiffany's journey with the University of Maryland's Institute of Human Virology began in January 1999, when she joined as a clinic social worker for the Evelyn Jordan Center (EJC), the HIV clinic at the time. Over the course of her tenure there from 1999 to 2003, Tiffany demonstrated unwavering commitment to serving the HIV community, earning admiration for her integrity, knowledge, and profound compassion.

Tiffany's legacy extends far beyond her years of direct service. Known for her advocacy prowess, she fearlessly championed the rights and well-being of patients, inspiring colleagues to prioritize integrity over convenience. Her mantra, echoing Ruth Bader Ginsberg's, "Women belong in all places where decisions are being made," encapsulated her belief in equity and inclusivity.

Over the next two decades, Tiffany's influence continued to grow as she transitioned into leadership roles. Her passion for educating others about the Ryan White program, which she oversaw at the University of Maryland, was evident in her dedication to mentoring colleagues and sharing her expertise in budgeting, data collection, grant writing, and navigating the complexities of leadership.

Even in her final months, Tiffany remained a beacon of strength and resilience, choosing to receive medical care at UMMS despite the challenges of a long commute. Surrounded by the love and support of her colleagues, she leaves behind an indelible mark on our programs and the lives of countless patients. As we mourn her loss, we are reminded of the significant impact she made and the profound legacy she leaves behind. Tiffany Moritz will be deeply missed, and her shoes will be hard to fill.

In her memory, the annual ID Division Staff Award will be renamed the Tiffany Mortiz Excellence in Service Award.   There will also be an annual conference held in Tiffany's memory in conjunction with the AIDS Education & Training Center in January 2025.