Julia Llorente was born in the South Bronx in New York City. In 1984, she obtained her teaching certificate from the Head Start Program because as Julia explains, "I wanted to make a difference in other children’s lives as well as my own." In January of 1998, she came to South Florida seeking a better life for herself and her family. 

In April of 1989, Julia learned that she was pregnant and HIV positive.  “I knew I had to learn all there is to know about what was happening to me and my unborn child," says Julia. "Since then, I have had to experience fear and rejections from people, including professionals.”  Julia quickly learned that there wasn’t much one-on-one personal service to the HIV/AIDS community.  She took a stand and is currently one of the most outspoken advocates for women and families in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in South Florida. 

After the death of her husband in December 1992, Julia joined the Miami Dade Partnership for HIV/AIDS Awareness and the Miami Dade School Board Speakers     Bureau.   She participated in several committees and became Vice-Chair of the Partnership. She also served as Chairwoman of  The Women Caucus from 2005 to 2007. Julia organizes, facilitates and promotes education workshops for Hispanic women groups related to the prevention of HIV in her community and enjoys fundraising for needy families and charitable organizations.