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This month, we are pleased to spotlight Tasha Menaker, PhD, Sr. Director of Social Impact at Match Group‍‍

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Please share a brief bio, including a description of your current role.

I am the Sr. Director of Social Impact at Match Group, the parent company for over 15 dating apps worldwide, including Tinder, Hinge, Match, Plenty of Fish, and OkCupid. In this role, I help to establish inclusive safety, sustainability, and wellness initiatives through employee engagement, philanthropic giving, and strategic global partnerships with NGOs and advocacy groups. Prior to joining Match Group, I was with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence for seven years, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer. I have over 20 years of cross-sector experience addressing gender-based violence and improving responses to survivors. 

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Why do you believe it's important for businesses to play a role in our nation's efforts to end the HIV epidemic?

Businesses should play a role in our nation's efforts to end the HIV epidemic because we are able to build stronger communities, shape inclusive workplaces, and influence societal attitudes. We are able to leverage our platforms to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote education about HIV prevention and treatment. We can also foster inclusive workplaces through supportive policies and promote health equity by expanding access to resources and information through partnerships like the U.S. Business Action to End HIV and Human Rights Campaign. 

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What is Match Group most proud of so far in regard to your work to address HIV?

We are proud that many of our brands have demonstrated a strong commitment to sexual health awareness and HIV prevention, particularly within communities most affected by the epidemic. For example, BLK, Chispa, and Archer sent in-app notifications offering free testing kits delivered directly to users’ doors, resulting in thousands of kits distributed to Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ community members. Last November, Tinder collaborated with NGOs Sidragtion and Sidaction to host a fundraising event in France for World AIDS Day, bringing together influencers, creators, NGOs, and users to support HIV research. These initiatives highlight how our brands have effectively partnered with organizations to leverage their reach and create meaningful impact.

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Why is it important for Match Group to be part of the U.S. Business Action to End HIV coalition?

Match Group is dedicated to promoting inclusivity, reproductive justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. Joining the coalition reflects our commitment to addressing critical issues like sexual health, which align with our values and social impact focus areas. 

Our businesses are reliant on people feeling comfortable bringing their most authentic selves to their dating journey, so it is in the interest of our business and our users to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote education about HIV prevention and treatment.

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Match Group affinity platforms, including BLK and Chipsa, have partnered with organizations like KFF and BHOC to connect app users with HIV information and services. Why are collaborations like these valuable?

Apps like BLK and Chispa have a special connection to the communities they serve, so they’re in a position to help advocate for things like HIV prevention and destigmatization in a way that’s uniquely resonant for those communities. Partnerships like KFF and BHOC can be invaluable partners in that work, ensuring that the right resources and information are reaching these communities through the right channels.

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Is there anything else you would like to share about your company's journey in addressing HIV?

Our progress in addressing HIV would not have been possible without the support of peers and partners. For example, our participation in the U.S. Business Action to End HIV has provided invaluable opportunities to learn from other companies and collaborate with community partners who are leading experts in advancing health equity around HIV. I believe collaboration is essential for driving meaningful impact, and partnering with a diverse network, from peer companies to grassroots NGOs, is necessary to develop a well-informed and holistic approach to this critical issue.