Planned Parenthood Advocates of DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia (PPADMV) is the 501(c)(4) advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC. They protect and expand reproductive freedom through legislative advocacy, electoral work, and grassroots organizing across the DMV.
I joined PPADMV’s Public Affairs team as a Communications Associate in the summer of 2021 and was later promoted to Senior Communications Associate, stepping into a pivotal moment for reproductive rights. Our work spanned local legislation, federal advocacy, and community mobilization. We worked to elect reproductive rights champions, fight for state-level protections, and, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, activate our base to respond in force.
✏️
When the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision was released, I led the execution of our crisis communications strategy. Within 24 hours, I coordinated and created messaging across every public channel: social media, website updates, supporter emails, internal staff communications, and press materials.
We organized a press conference with over 15 elected officials, including DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and secured coverage in more than 20 regional and national media outlets. Our core message was clear and urgent: abortion is still legal in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. PPADMV was committed to defending access for all.
As the sole communications staffer on the Public Affairs team for part of my tenure, I took on multiple responsibilities.
I wrote press releases, talking points, social content, blogs, and executive messaging
I produced toolkits, newsletters, and media training materials for staff and volunteers
I supported or led rallies, interviews, and community events, including organizing a protest of 300+ people through the National Mall during a staffing gap
💡
During the 2022 midterms, I led the communications strategy for our Get Out the Vote campaign, developing digital-first content to mobilize voters, especially young people and people of color. This included:
Instagram Reels and short videos
Voter guides and educational explainers
Live social content and SMS campaigns
Values-based calls to action across platforms
I also helped shape messaging around candidate endorsements, ballot measures, and state legislative efforts, partnering with groups like DC Abortion Fund to align strategies and increase impact.
One campaign I’m especially proud of was our work on B24-0158, a DC bill requiring all public, charter, private schools, and universities to provide free menstrual products in student bathrooms.
I led the digital messaging strategy by framing the issue as a matter of gender equity as essential as toilet paper access. Our content educated supporters, encouraged direct action, and gained traction across social platforms.
We won. The bill passed.
At PPADMV, I maintained a tone that was encouraging, activating, and grounded in reproductive justice values. Whether responding to a national crisis or advancing a local policy win, my work was designed to meet people with clarity and conviction, and inspire them to act.
