Our Mission
Since 1991, H*yas for Choice has been the pro-choice group at Georgetown University working to expand access to and quality of reproductive and sexual health services, serving as the sole provider of contraception on campus. Â We strive to realize a vision of reproductive justice at Georgetown and beyond, engaging our community around these topics through education and organizing. We understand this work to include actively challenging oppressive systems including but not limited to: white supremacy, patriarchy, heteronormativity, capitalism, whorephobia, colonialism, transphobia, xenophobia, and ableism.
A Bit About Us
H*yas for Choice Since 1991
H*yas for Choice (HFC) is the pro-choice, sex-positive, reproductive justice organization at Georgetown University. We are an anti-racist, queer-affirming organization working to provide direct sexual and reproductive health services and improve access to resources for people of all genders on Georgetown's campus.
‘Reproductive justice’ is a framework originally established by black women to address the multitude of identities and systems that intersect to influence an individual’s access to reproductive rights and healthcare, and specifically upholds the right to have children, to not have children, and to raise children in safe and healthy environments. As an organization operating under this framework, we strive to address issues of reproductive and sexual health and their intersections, including, but not limited to, race, economics, immigration, class, disability, queerness, transness, sex workers’ rights, and more. Through education, organizing, and direct service provision on Georgetown’s campus and beyond, we aim to realize this vision of reproductive justice and to continually acknowledge the structural violence that undergirds lack of access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
We believe that all decisions regarding sexuality should be made freely and independently. As a sex-positive organization, we regard all sexual activities between consenting adults as healthy and affirming, and uphold and celebrate all sexualities and gender identities. In addition, we believe that people deserve information and access to all available options in order to make safe, informed, independent decisions.
H*yas for Choice is the only provider of safer sex supplies, including condoms, dental dams, lube, and emergency contraception on Georgetown University’s campus – all of which are provided free of charge and without judgement – and is also the only source for comprehensive information on sexual health, pregnancy, and abortion services. For these reasons, we receive no endorsement or support from Georgetown University and the Society of Jesus, and operate as a financially independent organization that relies on donations to continue our work. While Georgetown has decided that our mission is not in line with Catholic teachings and ideology, we believe that Georgetown’s founding on the principle of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, calls for active engagement and implementation of reproductive justice and our mission.
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Why the asterisk?
Due to our unrecognized status with the university for the aforementioned reasons, we are barred from using the trademarked term "hoya", despite our organization being comprised of individuals who are a part of the Georgetown community.
Stella Linn
Co-President
she/her/hers
Stella is a junior majoring in American Studies and minoring in Education and Economics (who knows for how long on the econ front). She is from Kansas City, Missouri and is a HUGE Chiefs fan! She has been a member of H*yas for Choice since her first semester on campus, joining the advocacy team early on. She is passionate about reproductive justice and abortion access, especially in red states like her home of Missouri. She was previously Co-Advocacy and Organizing Director and cannot wait to continue the organization’s efforts as Co-Pres. In her free time, she can be found reading romance novels, watching reality TV, listening to the Celebrity Memoir Book Club podcast, and going on walks by the waterfront. If you see her around, most likely working behind the HFSC desk, don’t be afraid to say hi! She loves to talk about any and all things, but especially repro justice, politics, American history, and the newest celebrity gossip.
Sophia Urdinola
Co-President
she/her/hers
Sophia is a junior in the School of Health studying Health Care Management and Policy. She is from Maryland, and has been a member of H*yas for Choice since her freshman year. She is extremely passionate about reproductive health, with specific interests in menstrual equity and period poverty.
In her spare time, you can probably find her at Uncommon Grounds practicing her latte "art", listening to good music (fave artists include Blood Orange, The Marías, Clairo, Sade), or crocheting yet another sweater!
Sophie Samson
Co-Director of Advocacy and Organizing
she/her/hers
Sophie is a junior in the School of Health studying Human Science and Public Health and she’s from Sacramento, California. She was inspired to be a part of H*yas for Choice because of her passion for improving healthcare access and navigating reproductive rights advocacy on a Catholic campus. In her free time, you can find her visiting Sophia Urdinola at UG, in a Lau 5 cubicle, or playing tennis in Yates (badly).
Jade Kraut
Co-Director of Advocacy and Organizing
she/her/hers
Jade is a sophomore in the SFS studying International Politics with a minor in Math. She is from Westchester, NY and knew as soon as she got to campus that she wanted to be a part of H*yas for Choice. She is incredibly passionate about equitable access to reproductive healthcare and is excited to bring that passion to HFC advo! In her free time, you can find her studying anywhere other than Lau, enjoying a long walk, or exploring a Smithsonian!
Olivia Baine
Director of Finances and Development
she/her/hers
Olivia is a Junior in the College studying Government and History. She is a transfer student from a small liberal arts school in Southern California and is from Connecticut. Olivia joined H*yas for Choice her first semester at Georgetown and currently serves as Director of Development. Her work in reproductive justice is inspired by her interest in reproductive rights and codifying access to reproductive healthcare. In her free time, you can find Olivia on air with WGTB Georgetown Radio, attending live shows, or playing pool with friends.
Miya Yoshida
Director of Tabling and Development
she/her/hers
Miya is a sophomore in the SFS studying International Politics. She grew up in Lexington, KY, before moving to Los Angeles. She has been a member of HFC since her freshman fall and is passionate about inspiring new students to get involved. Miya is passionate about increasing access to contraceptives, women’s rights, and sex education. In her free time, she loves riding horses, trying new restaurants, and taking naps.
Carolina Cali
Director of Communication
she/her/hers
Carolina is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in American studies. She is from New York City and has been a member of H*yas for Choice since her freshman year. She is passionate about reproductive justice, with a specific focus on reproductive health policy. In her free time, she is often reading books, going to a workout class, or listening to music on vinyl. She can probably be found studying in the MSB or going on a coffee run.
Olivia Ganly
Social Chair
she/her/hers
Olivia is a sophomore in the College studying History and Econ. She’s from New York City, and has been in H*yas for Choice since her first semester at Georgetown. She’s passionate about reproductive rights and access to comprehensive sexual health education, and is so excited to be on the board this semester! In her free time, you can usually find her going for walks by the Potomac, trying new bubble tea places, or playing sudoku in the MSB.
Maria Halter
CALL Campus Representative
she/her/hers
Maria is a junior in the college studying government, women’s and gender studies, and justice and peace studies. She’s originally from Phoenix, AZ and the Bay Area! She has been a member of HFC since coming to Georgetown and is passionate about reproductive justice for all! Along with being on the HFC board, she is an intern at I Have The Right To, an organization that discusses law, sexual assault prevention and seeks justice for survivors. Along with HFC, she is also co-president of the gender violence alliance, is an AWES fellow, and does work with the CSJ! She is an avid reader and is always looking for book recs, especially surrounding gender studies litfic!
