Living Without Limits Living Large Inc.
"A Place where Heterosexual People Living With HIV and Other Supporters Can Thrive"
Cecilia Ligons is an inspiring figure who embodies the roles of grandmother, mother, business owner, community leader, and ordained woman of faith. Hailing from Houston, Texas, she graduated from the High School for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice in 1986. With a rich background that includes serving her country in the US Army, Ms. Ligons has traveled the world, bringing her diverse experiences back to her community. Her commitment to service and leadership continues to make a positive impact on those around her.
Cecilia proudly graduated from the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biblical Studies, complemented by a minor in Biblical Counseling. She achieved this remarkable feat with honors, finishing her studies with an impressive3.7 GPA.
Cecilia has dedicated over twenty years service to the Ryan White Planning Council, making a significant impact in community. She proudly holds the distinction of being first HIV+ African American female to be elected as chair of the Council, her leadership and commitment to advocacy. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination, others to follow in her footsteps.
She is a graduate of local and national training programs for HIV+ women. Ms. Ligons was awarded the 2010 GiGi Nicks Leadership Award given by the AIDS Alliance for Women, Infants, Children, Youth and Families located in Washington D.C.
She founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Living Without Limits Living Large, an HIV/AIDS heterosexual support and referral group, in January 2006.
2005-2007 Chair, People with AIDS Coalition - Houston CAB
2005-2008 Member, Ryan White Part D Project CAB
2005 Co-facilitator, Priority & Allocations process for Part B and State Services funding
2005-2015 Facilitator, Veteran Administration HIV Health Education Group
2006-present, Member, Houston Ryan White Planning Council
2006-2008 Newsletter Editor, Region-wide Consumer Advisory Committee
2006-present, Founder, Living Without Limits Living Large, an HIV/AIDS heterosexual support & referral group
2010-2012 Member of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease HIV Vaccine Education Initiative
2011-2012 Member Black Treatment Advocate Network
2011-2014, Chair, Texas Black Women’s Initiative-Houston Team. Currently, active member
2012, Peer educator, NMAC’s Treatment, Education, Adherence and Mobilization Program
2012-present, The Texas HIV Syndicate (statewide HIV planning group)
2013, 2020 Initiated the only Heterosexuals HIV/AIDS Conference in Houston
2014-2018 Member, Positive Women’s Network
2014-2015, Mentor/Facilitator, AIDS United Positive Organizing Project (POP) Pilot Program
2015-2024 Member, Houston Medical Monitoring Project Community Advisory Board
2015 Selected as one of The POZ 100 Long-term survivors Community Leaders
2016-2020 Vice Chair Change Happens Heterosexual Consumer Advisory Board
2016 Inducted into 2020 Leading Women Society
2017 Chair of the Ryan White Planning Council Houston
2023-present Member of NMAC HIV 50+Strong and Healthy Cohort.
Living Without Limits Living Large Inc. was established in January 2006 by Cecilia Ligons, a resilient individual who had an HIV diagnosis in 1991 and later, AIDS in 2000. For years, she lived in denial, believing she could suffer in silence without anyone knowing her struggle. It wasn't until 2003 that she decided to confront her reality, transforming her pain into purpose. Through her organization, Mrs. Ligons empowers others to break the silence and live boldly, proving that life can be vibrant despite the challenges.
Mrs. Ligons' renewed passion is to help those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, with special emphasis on the heterosexual individuals.
Mrs. Ligons is dedicated to ensuring that no one living with or affected by HIV/AIDS faces their journey alone. Through her efforts, she aims to share hope, inspire vision, and encourage others to dream big and move forward with purpose. Her mission is rooted in compassion and the belief that together, we can create a supportive community for all. Join her in making a difference and those in need.