This letter of recommendation is written by Sirry Alang in support of Aaron Wittnebel's application for the position of Legislative Assistant with Congresswoman Barbara Lee's office. Wittnebel currently serves on the Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council, which assesses the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota and allocates funding to services. As someone living with HIV himself, Wittnebel provides objective and critical feedback. Alang highlights Wittnebel's skills in administration, research, professionalism, knowledge of legislation, communication, and commitment to marginalized populations. Wittnebel ensures their experiences are considered in the planning process and holds service providers accountable. Alang is certain Wittnebel would make an extraordinary Legislative Assistant.

1. Julie Nickson, Chief of Staff
Office of the U.S. Congresswoman, Barbara Lee
2267 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
June 29, 2015
Letter of Recommendation for Aaron Wittnebel
Dear Ms. Nickson,
I am writing to support Aaron Wittnebel’s application for the position of Legislative Assistant with
the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee in Washington D.C. Mr. Wittnebel serves on the
Minnesota HIV Services Planning Council. The Planning Council is central in Planning for HIV
Services that are funded by the Federal Ryan White Legislation in Minnesota. The Council
assesses the needs of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Minnesota, prioritizes services that
meet identified needs, and allocates Ryan White resources to these services. As a person
living with HIV who is unaligned with an HIV service provider, Mr. Wittnebel provides invaluable,
objective, and critical feedback to the planning process for HIV services in Minnesota.
Aaron Wittnebel brings a lot of skills, passion and enthusiasm into his work. Some of the skills
that we have found really relevant to our work include his administrative and organizational
skills, critical thinking and research abilities, professionalism and good judgement, his
knowledge of legislative processes, and his ability to communicate clearly and to work well with
individuals from diverse backgrounds on a range of controversial issues. Perhaps, one of his
strongest attributes is his commitment to improve the lives of disproportionately affected
populations. Mr. Wittnebel mobilizes, listens to and represents the needs of marginalized
populations. He works tirelessly to make sure that their experiences are considered. More
importantly, he ensures that historically marginalized groups are a part of the community
planning process. Mr. Wittnebel is not shy about holding government grantees and all providers
of HIV services accountable to consumers of these services, regardless of their social and
economic status, and background.
It is a pleasure working with Mr. Wittnebel. I am certain that he will make an extraordinary
Legislative Assistant for Congress Woman Barbara Lee. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if
you have any questions about Mr. Aaron Wittnebel.
Sincerely,
SirryAlang
Sirry Alang, PhD
Coordinator, MN HIV Services Planning Council
525 Portland Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612)-348-6827 Fax: (612)-348-3830
Email: Sirry.Alang@hennepin.us
525 Portland Avenue MC 963, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
612.596.7894 phone 612.348.3830 fax
888.638.3224 toll free in Minnesota
www.mnhivplanningcouncil.org