NEW VOICES FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hannah Litchfield
hannah@newvoicesrj.org

NEW VOICES FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP 

The board plans to conduct a focused search for the next executive director during this planned transition.

PITTSBURGH (August 9, 2023) — The Board of Directors for New Voices for Reproductive Justice announced today that Kelly Davis will be transitioning from her role as Executive Director after successfully leading the Black Reproductive Justice organization since February of 2022. Beulah Osueke, the organization's Deputy Director for the past year, has been named Interim Executive Director.

During her tenure, Davis played a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission. She exemplified true leadership, serving as a vital cornerstone uniting funders, staff and constituents during a period of significant transition. Davis’ impactful leadership facilitated a seamless transition, ultimately bolstering the organization's position within the Reproductive Justice space. 

"Kelly's dedication, leadership and commitment to our mission have laid a strong foundation for the future," said Board Chair Mazda T. Miles, based in Philadelphia. "Her tireless efforts over the past year have broadened our reach, allowing us to impact more lives than ever."

Davis has been a strong voice in local and national conversations about Reproductive Justice. She was at the forefront during the fight for Roe vs. Wade and used her platform to further highlight the urgent need for health care reform, particularly in reproductive care for Black communities. With Davis at the helm, New Voices entered into the discussion on the intersection of climate change and reproductive health, propelling the work of this 19-year-old organization into future-facing dialogues. 

As part of this leadership transition, Osueke has been named the Interim Executive Director.  She has worked closely with leadership on mission advancement initiatives for nearly five years. She developed an organizing framework for Black women and queer people, including city-based leadership development cohorts, RJ IGNITE, set to launch this summer. Under her guidance, the organization reinvigorated its voter outreach in Philadelphia and plans to relaunch in Pittsburgh before the 2024 election. Osueke also played a key role in shaping the organization's culture and fostering young Black, gender-expansive leaders. She is currently leading  Community Assessment Surveys in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia to help understand the needs of our constituents.

"Beulah has brought invaluable innovation and passion to the organization," Miles continued. "She is a respected, experienced leader, and we have complete confidence in her ability to lead during this interim period."

The board will conduct a focused search for the next executive director, targeting the region's rich pool of talent in reproductive health and advocacy. For more information about New Voices for Reproductive Justice, visit newvoicesrj.org.

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About New Voices for Reproductive Justice 

New Voices for Reproductive Justice is a multi-state organization based in Pennsylvania and Ohio dedicated to the health and well-being  of  Black women,  femmes and girls.  Founded in Pittsburgh in 2004, New Voices has served over  150,000  Black women,  femmes,  girls and  folx through leadership development, community organizing, policy advocacy and culture change. Our priority issues include Black maternal health, abortion access and gender-based mass incarceration. New Voices advocates at the national, state and local level for Reproductive Justice - the Human Right of all people to control our bodies, sexuality, gender, work, reproduction and ability to form our families. Our long-term social impact goal is that Black women, femmes and girls live long, healthy and joyful lives.