When I walked across the stage at the University of Virginia, I never imagined that my degree in Medical Anthropology and Ethics would lead me to the steps of the Supreme Court. Yet, that moment marked the beginning of a journey I didn’t see coming — one that would shape my career and my convictions. 

I first got involved with Students for Life of America while in college. SFLA’s Capital Area Regional Coordinator at the time, Stephanie Stone, came along my budding group and helped us flourish, offering training and teaching us how to engage winsomely while tabling and door-knocking for Life. Stephanie later encouraged me to apply to join SFLA’s National Leaders Collective and I was accepted as an Invictus Men’s Fellow; as part of that program, SFLA helped me host the Virginia State College Pro-Life Conference at UVA, bringing together renowned speakers to address students from across Virginia.  

But one of my favorite memories was camping outside the Supreme Court the night before the oral arguments for Dobbs v. Jackson, holding the space where Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch would later hold her news conference. 

SFLA did not just help me launch my career; it gave me a career in the movement. I joined SFLA as the Virginias Regional Coordinator just two days following graduation from college. I had had no prior intention of working in the pro-life movement, or politics in general, and had expected my time in the movement to be transient, but SFLA cultivated the best in me. I credit my trajectory to SFLA President Kristan Hawkins and her leadership team, who saw a seed of leadership in me that I didn’t perceive at the time.  

During my tenure at SFLA, I was blessed to pursue my master’s in legal studies from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law.  This led me to amicably part ways with SFLA and join Americans United for Life team as Media Relations Manager — a role SFLA had prepared me for so well. 

In addition to my capacity serving AUL’s legal team, I have been able to shape the messaging of the organization that was the architect of much of the model policy leading to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. I frequently discuss Chemical Abortion Pills, writing for outlets like The Hill on chemical abortion, the Comstock Act, and FDA reform. In my first three months at AUL, I tripled our recent annual media exposure — a number that has since grown with the addition of more team members. 

One of the best, and sometimes most challenging, parts of my job is the cross-team role in which I serve. In my capacity between the media and legal teams, I help direct media strategy for our ongoing litigation, including our current case where AUL is representing Mrs. Zenaida Perez against Fairfax County Public Schools. Ensuring the truth is preserved during attempts by media actors to drive their own political narratives is the most challenging reward.  

I also stay active on a personal level by being involved in my church community, ensuring the Protestant community, particularly my generation, stays engaged on the issue and broader cultural debates.  

My best advice to near-graduates wanting to enter pro-life work is to be teachable. Generations have gone before you and broken down barriers so you can break the next. That does not make them infallible, but it does make them the best mentors. Learn their strategy then build upon it. Innovate. Find the holes in our ever-expanding movement and fill them. 

Your voice is irreplaceable.