Ohio Women's Alliance

On Sunday, OWA Staff Lena and Myia traveled to Cleveland to attend a brunch hosted by our partners New Voices for Reproductive Justice. During their time, they enjoyed great food, meaningful fellowship, and being a part of the conversation about New Voices’ new rebrand and upcoming curriculum coming to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland. We are so grateful for our continued partnership, and we’re excited for all that lies ahead!

Yesterday, Ohio Women's Alliance Founder & Executive Director Rhiannon Carnes was honored as a 2025 Woman of Achievement by YWCA Columbus! Hundreds gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025, including Rhiannon’s family, OWA Staff and Board Members, and previous Women of Achievement who welcomed this year’s class into this esteemed academy of women who have made an indelible impact by working to build a better Ohio for all. Rhiannon received her medal from Woman of Achievement Cathe Kobacker—founder of Kobacker House—who was instrumental in supporting Rhiannon as her mother, Faye Childs, transitioned to hospice care before passing in 2021. The occasion was a full circle moment as Rhiannon continues to carry on her mother’s legacy through her work to bring the mission of OWA to life today and for many years to come. Swipe to read Rhiannon’s remarks and visit our blog to view the full video of her speech! https://lnkd.in/gmFV6Pjx

Last Wednesday, we hosted a happy hour for our Member Assitance Program (MAP) volunteers to show them how much we appreciate them! Everyone who joined was able to enjoy: ✨Repro-inspired coloring sheets inspired by Pro-Reproductive Rights) ✨A book swap of banned books focused on Politics and Reproductive Rights ✨Connecting with others passionate about abortion care access A special thank you to Thunderwing Brewing for allowing us to use their space, Next Chapter Bookshop for donating a wellness box to our raffle, and all the amazing people who made the event one to remember!

April is National Minority Health Month—which was created to raise awareness of the importance of improving the health of Black and Brown communities. This month is crucial to Reproductive Justice because it: 🩷Focuses on addressing health disparities, such as the Black maternal mortality rates, and state abortion bans that negatively impact Reproductive health. 🩷Addresses systemic issues such as poverty, racism, and lack of access to resources that impact reproductive health outcomes. 🩷Encourages people to use their platform to advocate for policies that promote reproductive freedom and access to anti-oppressive and anti-racist health care. Together we can make a difference by continuing the fight for Black and Brown communities to have access and resources to make informed decisions about their health and bodies!

Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! 🏳️⚧️ Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of transgender and gender-expansive people everywhere. Visibility is just the beginning, we will remain dedicated to the ongoing fight for equality and Reproductive Justice to ensure that the trans community has the right to: 🩷Make informed decisions about their own bodies! 🩵Have access to inclusive, gender-affirming healthcare 🩷Live free from discrimination We won’t stop until everyone has the freedom to THRIVE with endless opportunities. 💖

Happy Women’s History Month! As we wrap up our series honoring incredible women who have made a significant impact in the arts, today we’re celebrating someone special—our Executive Director @rhiannonc’s amazing mother, Faye Childs! As the founder of BlackBoard, African American Best Sellers, her company gained international success and was a catalyst for contemporary Black literature in the U.S.—creating a prestigious platform where African American authors could be seen, heard, and valued! Faye’s contributions, dedication, and vision have left a meaningful mark and we are so happy to honor her legacy.

Navigating the political climate isn’t easy, but incorporating wellness is essential! Take time to unwind with a yoga session led by our Director of Campaigns and Policy, Ana Martinez, at Heartfelt Studios every Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. Click this link https://bit.ly/4hHK4gR to register!

Want a chance to win this amazing wellness box from Next Chapter Bookshop (check them out here https://bit.ly/4kXJiiw)? RSVP for our MAP Happy Hour Event here https://bit.ly/4bP55EL and tag three friends in the comments below to encourage them to do the same! Then, share to your story and you’ll be entered into a raffle to win these amazing items; the winner will be drawn at the event and has to be in attendance to claim the box.

Happy National Health Care Rights Day! Black women deserve care that is anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and rooted in Reproductive Justice always! Yet, in states where abortion bans are in place, Black women experience significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. These restrictions on abortion access and Reproductive health care worsen racial disparities in maternal health and often put Black women into detrimental situations where life-saving care is denied. This is why we must continue fighting for Reproductive Justice and advocate for policies that protect Black women from systemic medical neglect. Healthcare Justice IS Reproductive Justice and we won’t stop fighting until everyone has the right to make decisions about their own bodies, their families, and their future!

Today is International Day for the Elimination of Discrimination! Racial Justice is Reproductive Justice and we won’t stop until everyone reaches true liberation!