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International Women’s Day at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest: Community, Care, and Commitment
This International Women’s Day, we are going behind the scenes to talk to the people who make our health centers and education programs possible. We asked four of our team members – Maribel, Briana, Bonnie, and Lupe – to share what brought them to Planned Parenthood and, more importantly, what keeps them here. Today and every day, we celebrate the women who continue to pave the way for reproductive freedom by committing to teach, organize, and provide essential services for all who need us.
Q: Why did you decide to work for Planned Parenthood?
Briana, Community Engagement & Education Manager:
I had no idea that PP offered a position that would provide me with exactly what I was looking for. Sex Educators jobs are niche. I thought I was going to need to carve out a career on my own, however, PPPSW did it for me already!
Maribel, Community Organizer:
I volunteered for years before becoming an employee, I saw the way PP cared for their patients, their communities, and how it fought for them. I knew I had to be a part of this great group of people who cared so deeply to make a difference in people’s lives.
Lupe, Health Center Manager:
I decided to work for Planned Parenthood because I believe in the organization’s mission to provide accessible reproductive health care. I value the services that we provide to every single patient that comes to our health center.
Bonnie, Specialty Services Center Manager:
As a woman and a mother of three daughters, I understand how critical it is that women have access to accurate information, compassionate care, and the ability to make informed decisions.
Q: Why are the issues that Planned Parenthood works on important to you?
Briana, Community Engagement & Education Manager:
The fact that Planned Parenthood has a Community Engagement and Education department tells me that they care about reproductive health education and prevention. When people are given the opportunity to learn, for example, about how sexually transmitted infections are passed, methods of protection and where to access care, we are giving them tools to take care of themselves. We break down generational stigma and shame when we are able to give people medically accurate explanations for how pregnancy can occur or how to prevent an unintended pregnancy.
Maribel, Community Organizer:
The constant attacks on reproductive rights! The work I do with students and youth is too important for me to stop.
Lupe, Health Center Manager:
I feel that it’s important to provide high quality care for our communities in a
non-judgmental way. It is rewarding to know that you are making a difference every single day.
Bonnie, Specialty Services Center Manager:
Reproductive health care, cancer screenings, STI testing, birth control access, abortion services, and education are not political talking points – they are real life services that impact families every day. I care about health care equity and ensuring all people, regardless of income or background have access to quality care. When we remove barriers to health care, we empower individuals and strengthen our communities.
Q: What keeps you working here and committed to Planned Parenthood’s mission?
Briana, Community Engagement & Education Manager:
The people within this organization. I love who I work with and how we come together, across several different departments, to achieve our goals.
Maribel, Community Organizer:
There are so many women in my region who rely on our services, and that emboldens me to fight for their rights to comprehensive reproductive health care. I enjoy lobbying our representatives both at the State and Federal levels for continued support of Planned Parenthood. I love being out at community events spreading the word about our wonderful health centers & the educational opportunities we have for our young people in the area.
Lupe, Health Center Manager:
I keep working at Planned parenthood because I believe in the importance of protecting reproductive rights not only in our present time, but for future generations.
Bonnie, Specialty Services Center Manager:
Everyday, I see how our work changes lives. Whether it’s someone receiving care they couldn’t access elsewhere, a patient feeling heard and respected, or a person receiving education that helps make an informed decision. I also stay because of our mission and the staff’s resilience. Even in challenging times, we remain committed to dignity, compassion, and access for all. Being part of this movement is so incredibly meaningful to me.
If you are ready to join the incredible women leading the charge for reproductive freedom this International Women’s Day, click here.