Designing a life of advocacy and creativity at Northwell Health

Weaving together a life of creativity, dedication to community and entrepreneurship takes talent, focus and plenty of energy. Adrian Morel, an outreach worker at the Center for AIDS Research and Treatment (CART) in Manhasset, spends his time working for Northwell out in our local communities educating folks about HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and providing free and confidential rapid HIV testing while balancing a career as a clothing designer.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Adrian has long been committed to helping others, serving in a variety of volunteer positions prior to joining Northwell Health.

“I’ve always been involved in LGBTQIA+ volunteer work, especially on behalf of Latinos,” explains Adrian. “It was natural to move from volunteering to working at Northwell Health, where I continue to help the community. Being a proud Latino Gay man, I add a different perspective to the HIV advocacy work done at CART. Not only do I get the opportunity to educate people in my community about their sexual health, I am also taking part in the efforts to end the HIV epidemic.”

Adrian’s work spans beyond helping patients at Northwell. He also is a highly creative designer and artist who uses his talents to further his advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community. He first became interested in costume and fashion design while in high school. This led to obtaining degrees in design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and the California College of the Arts, prior to working in theater.

“Here at CART, my coworkers and managers have encouraged and supported the differences of all individuals on our team,” says Adrian. “I’ve always been celebrated for my cultural and creative background. Being able to use my strengths towards things I’m passionate about has been very rewarding. Northwell allows me as an employee to be personable and utilize my interests to encourage people. Being allowed to be myself opens the door for me to humbly appreciate the individual uniqueness of others.”

During his college years, Adrian honed his creative skills, designing many costumes for drag performers and other artists who appreciated his ability to create show-stopping costumes. This led to him launch his own costume design business called Adrian Morel which he continues to run today.

Adrian’s business makes custom looks focused on creative and innovative designs. His clients look forward to a design consultation with Adrian followed by several fittings from the conception of the look to the final product. His website and Instagram page give visitors a clear idea of his talent and creativity.

As both an outreach worker and a designer, Adrian is busy, but appreciates the opportunities he has found to support his community while being able to utilize his artistic talents. Recently, this included designing costumes for “Drag Me to Brunch,” an event sponsored by Northwell Health.

“I’m passionate about my work,” says Adrian. “It’s work by day, and costume design by night. It’s what I love.”