Name: Yesenia
Pronouns: She/Her
Astrological Sign: Cancer
Hobbies: Doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, trying out new breweries, and spending time with my girlfriend and friends
Favorite Snack: Gushers
How did you become involved with Planned Parenthood?
Working as a Path to Power intern is my first time being involved with Planned Parenthood! Planned Parenthood is one of several opportunities I applied to while looking for a summer internship, and it was always at the top of my “I hope I get this one!” list. I have always had an interest and admiration for Planned Parenthood, and I am so excited to have started my involvement with the Path to Power internship!
Why is it important for you to advocate for sexual and reproductive health care?
I believe sexual and reproductive health care are important because everybody deserves the right to live without fear of restriction or limitation. Sexual and reproductive health care affect everybody, and everybody loses when we cannot live freely with affordable access to safe care.
What does your work with Planned Parenthood look like?
Path to Power is basically an “organizing 101” program! Every week, we focus on a different topic or current issue. This work is perfect for me as a college senior because I’m trying to find my place in a career of human rights advocacy. We have group meetings and guest speaker meetings every week centering around a weekly topic. I have just been assigned my first project, which is to work on an outline for a comprehensive sex education zine. My work is very flexible and caters to the interests of myself, my teammates, and remains current with what’s going on in the world.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your work with Planned Parenthood?
I have not completed much work yet with Planned Parenthood, but I am looking forward to educating myself on reproductive and sexual health care, reproductive freedom, intersectionality, and organizing. I am hopeful that the work I accomplish with Planned Parenthood will lead to greater change through the education and action of myself and others.
What role do you think young people have in fighting for reproductive freedom and health equity?
Young people are the future! I feel that my generation is especially powerful in fighting for change. We have experienced a lot of legislative and social digression in our short lifetimes—so much that I believe many of us have become radicalized. Young people continue to demand change for the better and look out for the protection of our futures.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to get involved in advocating for sexual and reproductive health care?
If you are interested in getting involved in advocacy, don’t hesitate to reach out to the folks at Planned Parenthood! You are always welcome, and there is always more to learn. It is never too early or too late to begin advocating for others and yourself.
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