Hello, and good day to you all! This week's topic of conversation is Womens Reproductive Rights, and joining us is Lupe from the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice! Tune in to hear more about it:)
Guadalupe “Lupe” M. Rodríguez is a scientist with an activist heart dedicated to seeing all people live in salud, dignidad y justicia. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice (Latina Institute). Born in Mexico City, Lupe immigrated with her family to San Jose, California, seeking medical care for her brother. A natural-born leader, she knew early on that she had a passion for organizing and was gifted with a strong voice and desire to speak up for what was right. With a strong proclivity for science and driven to work on health issues like the congenital disorder that impacted her brother, Lupe studied Neurobiology at Harvard University. During the first year of her graduate program, she changed course from a career as a scientist to focus on social justice. She went on to conduct research in Mexico, followed by social justice policy work in Peru and in her home state of California. A self-proclaimed disruptor, Lupe continued her work in policy, becoming the Program and Policy Director at ACCESS Women's Health Justice, leading strategic development, operations, and the expansion of the organization’s programs. Before joining Latina Institute, Lupe served as the Director of Public Affairs, and later the Vice President of Public Affairs, at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte (PPMM). The largest Planned Parenthood affiliate in the country, PPMM provides medical and education services to more than 220,000 people annually at over 30 health centers in mid-California and northern Nevada. Lupe graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Neurobiology. She serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Center for Clinical Research at Stanford Medical School and has served on several boards, including Center for American Progress’ Reproductive Justice Advisory Board, California Family Health Council Board of Directors, as Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women in Santa Clara County, Treasurer of the Board of Directors for California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, and Chair of the Board of Directors for ACCESS Women’s Health Justice. She is an avid runner and resides in the Bay Area with her partner.
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