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.
Sophie Samson
Co- President
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).
Maria Halter
Co-President
she/her/hers
Maria is a junior in the College studying Government and Women's and Gender studies. She is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, and for the past two semesters, she has participated in the CALL Program in Downtown DC with Georgetown. Formerly the Capitol Campus Representative, she oversaw programming downtown and held events for H*yas for Choice at the new Capitol Campus. She is an advocate for survivors of sexual assault and enjoys teaching high school and college students about consent education and SA prevention. Her passion for reproductive justice stems from this advocacy and a deep understanding of choice and bodily autonomy. Aside from working on these projects, she enjoys traveling and reading!
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!
Carolina Cali
Co-Director of Advocacy and Organizing
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.
Grace Glover
Director of Finances and Development
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Grace is a freshman in the College double-majoring in English and JUPS! She is from Los Angeles, CA. Grace is in her first semester on the HFC board and is so excited to be serving as director of development. She is very passionate about reproductive justice and sex-positive thinking. She has a particular interest in increasing repro. access to already underprivileged groups. In her free time, you can find Grace reading a novel, goofing off on Lau 2, or making a new Spotify playlist.
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.
Olivia Ganly
Communications Director
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.
Katie Shields
she/her/hers
Kathryn is a sophomore in the College studying Biology of Global Health with a minor in Chemistry. She’s from Seattle, Washington, and has been a member of H*yas for Choice since her freshman fall. Kathryn is especially passionate about healthcare equity and access to safe, affordable reproductive healthcare for all. In her free time, she can be found on the new Lau 3, playing piano, or going on a long walk!
