In April 2019, we announced that Tina Hester would be retiring after 11 years with our organization. While we are sad to see Tina leave, we are so thankful for all the years that she has dedicated to defending the reproductive rights of teens in Texas.
Under Tina’s exceptional leadership, we were able to expand and grow our direct services. In 2018, we launched a text hotline to support teens navigating parental involvement laws for abortion, contraception, and STI testing & treatment in Texas. Additionally, we have been able to invest in the leadership development of our former clients in the reproductive rights, health, and justice movement.
In case you missed it, watch our former client HK Gray testify in front of the U.S. House Committee of the Judiciary on the “Threats to Reproductive Rights in America.” Four former Jane’s Due Process clients became abortion storytellers through the Youth Testify cohort of We Testify, and we have helped former JDP clients apply for fellowships, leadership programs, and careers in the reproductive health, rights, and justice movements. These are just a few examples of the ways in which we have broadened our support of an impact on teens in our state.
We are excited about the future of Jane’s Due Process and our unique opportunity to continue to expand our role in defending the reproductive rights of teens in Texas. Which is why we are thrilled to share with you that Rosann Mariappuram will be joining us in late July as the new executive director of Jane’s Due Process!
Rosann brings a passion for reproductive rights and a vision for ways in which our organization can continue to support young people’s bodily autonomy in a hostile anti-choice climate. She is a lawyer, a previous Jane’s Due Process legal intern, and a current hotline volunteer. Rosann has valuable prior experience with the Reproductive Health Access Project and the Center for Reproductive Rights. Additionally, she is currently completing an If/When/How Reproductive Justice Fellowship, and has served in leadership capacities on the boards of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas and Lilith Fund for Reproductive Equity. The board is inspired by her energy, thoughtfulness, experience, and dedication to the values of reproductive rights and justice that are central to our mission and growth.
