A letter from Executive Director Silvia Henriquez

In 2011 I will be stepping down as Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. The chance to lead the only national organization dedicated to Latina reproductive health has been incredibly special and humbling.

At 28, when I opened the door to my very small office space in Brooklyn I saw potential and an opportunity of a life-time to lead and develop a new vision for reproductive health and rights. We didn’t have polling and the traditional research to shape our work; we had a budget of $200,000 and one additional staff. But the Board of Directors and I had a sincere belief that trusting the experiences and voices of Latinas would create a groundswell of momentum. Many funders and volunteers took a risk with us, and the National Latina Institute has been on a growth trajectory every year since. Our budget is six times greater today and we have grown steadily into a vanguard organization. The Latina Institute has a staff of 11 talented women, a prominent board of directors and a long list of accomplishments that make me proud to be part of this organization.

I started my journey shortly after President Bush took office and well before anyone imagined a Latina Supreme Court Justice and at a time when very few organizations and advocates were including Latina reproductive health and rights issues in the public dialogue. Today we are a regular presence in prominent news outlets such as CNN and PBS, as well as in local outlets speaking to community concerns. And now we’re in regular conversation with national leaders about health and justice. After delivering scores of petitions, pleas, and unanswered letters to various halls of power, the momentum is shifting -- just last year the White House asked us for a white paper on the sexual health of young Latinas.

The heart and soul of this organization is in the community. NLIRH has cultivated activists and networks in cities, neighborhoods and communities across the country. The sense of urgency and commitment our activists have to improve the health of their communities is what drives NLIRH staff to continue the legislative and policy battles in Washington DC. When we walk the halls of Congress, attend meetings in the White House, speak to an audience of donors or host a briefing for colleagues we not only speak for NLIRH but we bring with us the hundreds of women and families that have written letters to elected officials, organized marches, community forums, cafecitos and become spokes people in their communities. Knowing that NLIRH has played a role in building a Latina movement for reproductive justice is rewarding. We have changed the conversation. I can feel proud that this organization has been relentless in fighting for the needs of our communities and despite a difficult political climate we have not compromised our values. We have developed strength both as a Washington DC inside voice and a voice of protest.

I will miss all the unexpected rewards and inspirational moments that have been such a part of my work and life at Latina Institute. For example-three months into my tenure the Latina Institute was asked to support the 2004 March for women’s rights. We took the risk and we agreed to participate if we could play a leadership role. A few months later we were at the helm of organizing the largest march in U.S. history on behalf of women’s lives and for the first time in the history of organizing these mass protests, a Latina-focused organization was on the steering committee, on the stage, and in the crowd by the thousands. We have also unexpectedly created new “safe spaces” for Latinas. For many, NLIRH’s trainings, meetings or offices is the first time they are not the “only” pro-choice Latina feminist in the room and are able to bring all of their identities, (immigrant, queer, mothers), not just women of reproductive age, into the room. Finally, I am grateful to the many Latinas around the country that have been so generous in sharing their personal stories about their abortions, childbearing, sterilizations, immigration journeys and their hopes and dreams for the next generation of women.

I know this organization has much more to accomplish. New leadership will bring new vision, new strength and renewed energy. A heartfelt thanks to all of our friends and supporters. Many of you have gone above and beyond in your commitment to this organization and I am so grateful to have learned from so many of my dear colleagues.

When I leave my office for the final time in mid 2011, I will leave behind an organization that is truly driven by its mission of health, dignity, justice. I know this organization has more groundbreaking accomplishments ahead. After eight years, 1400 days on the road, 30 cities, 400 donor meetings, 100 speeches, one wedding and two babies, it’s time for me to pass the mantle to the next leader. I know many of you will help us find my successor, and all of you will help our next leader be a brilliant advocate for reproductive justice.

Warmly,

Silvia