2023 versus Luncheon Program

2023 VERSUS LUNCHEON

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today’s program REMARKS Chau Nguyen Social Worker, Advocate, and Storyteller Melaney A. Linton Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, President & CEO Elena Marks 2023 Second Century Award Recipient VIDEO PRESENTATION

break REMARKS FROM CO-CHAIRS Barbara, Ginger, Janet, and Vivian Clark PANEL DISCUSSION Dr. Bhavik Kumar Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Medical Director Primary and Trans Care Chau Nguyen Social Worker, Advocate, and Storyteller Joana Calderon Planned Parenthood, Storyteller EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT Bernadette Blanco Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Director of Education CLOSING REMARKS Robin O’Neil Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Board Chair

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a letter from our president Dear Friends, This past year has been tumultuous and exhausting, but the support of our community and patients means so much to each and every one of us. Whether you have been attending this luncheon and supporting us for decades, or this is your first time joining us—we are so glad you are here.

Planned Parenthood has always been pushing forward and fighting against the forces that would restrict our individual human rights. Versus has always been at the center of the Roe versus Wade Luncheon. The singular word versus reminds us we were founded as a resistance movement. Versus reminds us that we are here to fight for what we believe in. And together, I believe, that we can turn versus into victory.

We know now what we knew all along—that this has never truly been about abortion, it’s about our ability to control our own bodies and our own lives. The attacks will keep coming. And we will keep doing everything we can to continue providing care.

We know that anti-abortion rights lawmakers won’t stop at banning abortion—they’re working toward a broader agenda to roll back our rights and freedoms, from access to affordable birth control to LGBTQ+ rights, and more. In Texas, we know that lawmakers are prioritizing attacks on access to health care for trans folks this session.

Even in this most challenging of years, I am proud to say our doors are open, our teams are bravely and proudly providing care and education, and fulfilling our mission across Houston, southeast Texas, and Louisiana.

I want to share my deepest gratitude and total awe for the work our C.A.R.E. Center team has been doing since Senate Bill 8 passed in Texas. Their compassion for our patients, their competency, and knowledge around an issue that is constantly changing, and the fortitude they demonstrate every day are an inspiration and a reminder of the strength we have on our side.

Our movement is more than one fight. Battles are won and lost. But we will continue to speak truth and press forward. Together.

Until Victory,

Melaney A. Linton 2023 VERSUS LUNCHEON

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a letter from our co-chairs Dear versus Luncheon Guests, Thank you for joining us for the 2023 versus Luncheon and for everything you do to support Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC).

We are so excited to chair this year’s luncheon, especially as we introduce the new name, versus. After celebrating 49 years of abortion access granted to us from the decision in Roe v. Wade, we are all having to adapt to this new reality. And while the name of the luncheon has changed, the mission of this luncheon and this organization remain the same. We are honored to continue supporting PPGC and we are proud to see all of you here today to show your support as well.

Planned Parenthood knows the importance of getting the care you need and the dangers of not getting it. The Dobbs decision brings with it a surge of unintended consequences. It does not get rid of the need for abortions, but makes getting them more challenging and riskier. Our adversaries have shown blatant disregard for the health and well-being of the people these anti-abortion laws impact. There are circumstances that go beyond the comprehension of lawmakers.

Circumstances that should only be navigated by patients and their doctors. We support PPGC because we have a shared vision of all people receiving comprehensive and inclusive sex education, access to contraception, and all the options to help them achieve the best outcome for themselves and their families.

Our collective strength and determination are being tested, but when we come together, we are an unstoppable force. Over the past few years, we have had to deal with devastating decisions from our political and judicial leaders, from SB8 to the overturning of Roe. Yet still, we are here. As a demonstration of our commitment to inclusive, quality and accessible care, the doors of Planned Parenthood remain open.

And while we know there are more challenges to come, together, we will not stop until the v stands for victory.

In Steadfast Support,

Barbara, Ginger, Janet, and Vivian Clark

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second century award ELENA MARKS, 2023 RECIPIENT Elena M. Marks has been a long-time supporter, friend, and donor of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast. For decades her dedication has helped PPGC, its patients, and our community. She has served on our board and even was one of our compassionate Hand Holders. Our Hand Holders were a group of incredible volunteers that would be in the room with patients during their abortions, providing them with comfort and companionship.

Elena’s professional life reflects her deep investment in reproductive health care. She is currently a Senior Fellow in Health at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Her work centers on improving health outcomes for all Texans, with an emphasis on people with low incomes and members of marginalized groups. From 2014 – 2022, Ms. Marks served as the Founding President and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation, a philanthropy dedicated to health equity in Texas.

We are grateful to have had her support all these years and we are proud to honor her with our Second Century Award this year.

PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS SECOND CENTURY AWARD: Hand Holders; Lillie Robertson, Beth Robertson, & Cullen Geiselman; Melanie Gray; The Clayton Family LEGACY CIRCLE HONOREES: Louella Breedlove*; Betty Lou Carter*; Abby Ray Catledge*; Richard Colt*; Peter J. Durkin; Flora Fenner*; Tina Freeman; Karen Ostrum George; Melanie Gray; Susan Gundlach; Dr. Holley Galland Haymaker; Peggy Heaton*; Burdine Clayton Johnson; Rosa Keller*; Wendy Wallace Kelsey; Caroline Weiss Law*; Susan McAshan*; The Rev. W. Stewart MacColl; Nancy McGregor Manne; Neal Manne; Peggy Neuhaus*; Hanni S. Orton*; Joan C. Penniman; Genevieve Peterkin*; Nancy Peterkin* Dee Dee Reilly* Mimi Robinson Rose; Gwyn W. Smith; Eleanor Tinsley*; Phyllis Van Kerrebrook*; Isabel Brown Wilson* *deceased

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today’s panelists CHAU NGUYEN Chau Nguyen (she/her) is a social worker, women’s advocate and storyteller. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, Chau is a trauma therapist, counseling women, children and families in private practice and in non-profit. Chau has also spent nearly a decade advocating for women and girls as a nonprofit leader and executive, and is an appointee of the Houston Women’s Commission. Prior to her servant leadership, Chau worked as a television news journalist in Houston, Atlanta, Guam and Saipan.

DR. BHAVIK KUMAR Dr. Bhavik Kumar (he/him) is a board-certified family medicine physician, abortion provider, and medical director for Primary and Trans Care at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast. Dr. Kumar is also a National Medical Spokesperson for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. He completed his medical training in New York and has been practicing medicine since 2015. Dr. Kumar is an outspoken advocate for abortion and trans care access in the media and in the courts.

JOANA CALDERON Joana Calderon (she/her) is a patient advocate from Fort Worth, Texas. Joana graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Social Work Masters in Direct Practice in Mental Health. Since 2020, Joana has been advocating for access to reproductive healthcare through storytelling. Most recently, Planned Parenthood presented Joana with The Storyteller Award, for her advocacy work. She hopes to bring awareness to the barriers to abortion access individuals face in Texas and to normalize conversations around abortion.

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the story of versus Our story is bigger than one fight, and we know our work is far from over. No matter what we are up against, we are up for the challenge.

Together. What remains after the overturning of Roe v. Wade has been here all along and will always remain. It’s the heart of why we’re here.

Versus. A symbol of our unrelenting movement, a reminder that hope and progress will not be denied, and an inspiration for the work ahead. Versus stands for who we are. Why we’re here. What we believe in. It’s what unites us and pushes us forward, together.

Planned Parenthood remains committed to ensuring every individual’s right to manage their reproductive and sexual health, including access to abortion. Versus represents the heart of our mission while laying the groundwork for a new path forward as we continue to stand together for a better future. Together, we are meeting this moment head-on and doing everything we can to meet the needs of our patients and our communities.

In this new era, versus stands for the courage to fight for the rights that belong to us.

V stands for Versus. Until it stands for victory.

A THANK YOU TO LANGRAND The new Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast luncheon theme, versus, was created by Langrand, an advertising and communications company based in Houston, Texas. Both the owner and managing director of the firm are alumnae of Planned Parenthood, and gladly volunteered the time and talent of the agency for a cause they truly believe in. We think you can see the heart and compassion they have for our mission in the video above and in this rebrand as a whole.

Their work on this project was recently recognized by the American Advertising Federation with a Silver Addy Award.

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ppgc board of directors Robin O’Neil Chair Amisha Sharma Vice Chair Pam Reiland Treasurer Virginia Engholm Secretary Elizabeth Monaghan Development Committee Chair Michele Mullin Immediate Past Chair Neelofur Ahmad, MD Belinda Lewis Batiste Cathy Coleman Mariella De Alba Ortiz Fatima Hassan Ali Holley Galland Haymaker, MD Sharon Howard

Cisselon Hurd Necole Irvin Angela Jones, PhD Rashmi Kudesia, MD Kim Latimer Ted Lee Juliet McBride Erin Mincberg Spiegel Maria Montes Swati Narayan Michael Reeder Lindsay Reeves Takema Robinson Alison Young

We Won't Back Down.

Join Us. Planned Parenthood Texas Votes is fighting every day to protect and restore our rights.

Join us in the fight.

Visit pptxvotes.org for more information.

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A body of strength.

No matter if you are sitting here today or watching from home, you are part of something much, much bigger. As a woman-led creative agency, we’re proud to help bring versus to life and stand with all those who continue to fight for autonomy over our bodies, our health and our future.

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luncheon committee Neelofur R. Ahmad, M.D. Christina Alvarez-Perry Nory Angel Georgina Armstrong Bill Baldwin Preity Bhagia Hillary Brooke Boswell Jim Boyd Julie Browning Katherine Butler Barbara Calfee Bettie Cartwright Anne Chao Lisa Coffin Margie (Margaret) Cohen Meryl Slipakoff Cohen Cathy Coleman Dee Coleman Sandy Rowley Colt Liz Crowell Mary S. Dawson Clare H. Doyle Michol Ecklund Theresa Einhorn Honorable Odus E. Evbagharu Gail Faris Kari Findley Karen & Buster Freedman Ann Friedman Karen Ostrum George Betsy Goldstein Lainie Gordon Shelley Gottschalk Michelle Hicks Kimberly Hickson Spaw Danielle Hunter Sis Johnson Sara Kelly Wendy & Mavis Kelsey Ann Kennedy

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Jacqueline Kneese Marilyn Knight Peggie Kohnert Vail Kohnert-Yount Sandy Lessig Anne Lewis & David Morris Dr. Kim Lopez Silky Joshi Malik Nancy McGregor & Neal Manne Laura McWilliams Beth Merfish Sherry & Gerald Merfish Ginni Mithoff Elizabeth Monaghan Michele P. Mullin M. Anne Murphy Swati Narayan Terrylin Neale Suzanne Nimocks Linwood Olson John & Kathy Orton Jil Pollock Victoria Ramos Pamela Reiland Lillie Robertson Carolyn Sabat Emily Wolf Schaffer Cathryn Selman Hinda Simon Lois Stark Kimberly Sterling Nicola Toubia Karen A. Twitchell Andrea White Nancy L. Wilson & John A. Dickinson Aimee Woodall Anita Woods Lorraine Wulfe Alison Young & Jelani Kendrick

luncheon sponsors SECOND CENTURY Barbara Clark / Janet Clark / Virginia “Ginger” Clark / Vivian Clark VISIONARY Anne & Albert Chao / Diana Strassmann & Jeff Smisek Joan Hohlt & Roger Wich Foundation Nancy McGregor & Neal Manne Lillie Robertson / Beth Robertson / Caroll Ray LEGACY Melanie Gray & Mark Wawro, in honor of Elena Marks Peggie Kohnert / Vail Kohnert-Yount Elena & Kenneth Marks Sherry & Gerald Merfish Sallie Morian MOVEMENT MAKER Clare Doyle / Suzanne Nimocks / Cathryn Selman Elena’s Weekend Walking Group Karen George / Karen Shouse / Karen Twitchell Burdine Clayton Johnson & Christophe Venghiattis Wendy & Mavis Kelsey Donna Maslia / Richard Maslia / Angie & Skip Weiland Gwen Richard / Amber Mostyn Gwyn Smith CHAMPION OF CHOICE Sally S. Alcorn Julie & Andrew Alexander Always Do Good Fund

Laura & Vineet Bhatia / Lauren & Geoffrey Harrison Barbara Burger Linnet F. Deily Esther Friedman Family Foundation / Ann & J. Kent Friedman Susanne W. Galtney Claire Liu Greenberg Kim Hicks Michelle Hicks Sis & Hasty Johnson Amy Kapiloff Beth Matusoff Merfish & Daniel Coleman Suzan Miles Karen & Gene Oshman / Kim & David Sterling George Peterkin Kathryn Rabinow / Gail Faris Carolyn & Jake Sabat Katie Sammons & Terry Lohrenz / Trey Peacock Sandra Shafto / Frannie Robertson Jeri & Marc Shapiro Angela & Mark W. Smith Tracy F. Stein Anita Woods & Vic Lamanuzzi COURAGEOUS VOICE Neelofur and Sami Ahmad Joan Alexander Christina Alvarez-Perry Anita Barnes / Lennie Burke / Beverly Robinson Jim Boyd Kathy Butler Bettie Cartwright Sandy & Sloan Colt / Louise & Larry Glenn Heidi Dugan Michol Ecklund 2023 VERSUS LUNCHEON

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luncheon sponsors Theresa Einhorn & Don Yurewicz Jenny Elkins Karen & Buster Freedman Friends of Swati Rhonda Gerson / Sheila Loewenstern / Deedee Ostfeld / Ede Ruth Weiner Betsy Goldstein Paige Hagle Caitlin Halpern Danielle Hunter I’ll Have What She’s Having Jill & Dunham Jewett Linda, Sara & Madeline Kelly Ann Kennedy & Geoffrey Walker Rashmi Kudesia, MD Nicole Longnecker & David Pesikoff Minnie & Jhett Nelson Robin O’Neil & Jonathan Eisen Kathy & John Orton Victoria Ramos Marci Rosenberg & Ben Samuels Betsy & Ed Schreiber Mallory & James Shaddix Barbara Sklar / Suzanne McCarthy Jean van Soelen Andrea & Bill White Lorraine Wulfe Nina & Michael Zilkha ADVOCATE Natasha Afonso / Jennifer Strauss Maida Asofsky / Ann Stephens Jackson Robert & Sharon Baker Preity Bhagia Heather Brown Mary Kay Casey CCL Lisa Coffin / Pam Reiland Margie Cohen & Friends 12

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Liz & Steve Crowell Carolyn Dorros Emerson UU Church Marcia Fiman / Rebecca Luks / Emily Wolf Schaffer Friends of PPGC Friends of Tiffany Cuellar Needham Jan Greer / Rose Ann Medlin Lee Huber Cisselon Nichols Hurd Leora Kahn Marilyn Knight Harriet Latimer / Laura McWilliams / Susan Morrison / Linwood Olson Legal Media, Inc. Sandy Lessig Augusta Levine Sherry Levy / Debbie Kearns / Vicki Merwin Silky Joshi Malik Misty Matin / Megan Prout Carly Milner / Ashleigh Rickertsen Beatrice Mladenka-Fowler & Jesse Fowler Elizabeth Monaghan Swati Narayan H. Russell Pitman Michele Pola Robyn Rothman & John Stevenson Sally & Bill Russ Ellen Safier Kimberly Hickson Spaw & David Spaw Lois Stark Karen & Harry Susman / Shelley & Alex Kaplan W.S. Bellows Construction Corp Senator John Whitmire Cyvia Wolff

luncheon sponsors FIERCE FRIEND ACLU of Texas Betty Baer & Fred Krasny Baker Botts LLP Maire & David Baldwin BAQ Social Club Patricia & Alan Bernstein Katie Bolt Hillary Brooke Boswell Julie & Logan Browning Terri Burke Café con Ladies Janet Caldwell Barbara & Richard Calfee Johnny & Nataya Carter Judge Kyle Carter Meryl & Murray Cohen Cathy Coleman Dee Coleman Marcia Davidoff / Joyce Sandweiss Denise DuBard Kari Findley Rodi & Bob Franco Stephanie Spicer Frey Barbara Robins Friedman / M. Anne Murphy Friends of Danielle Hunter Friends of Michele Mullin Friends of Preity Bhagia Anne Furse Gibson Dunn Lainie Gordon & David Mincberg / Erin Mincberg Spiegel & Scott Spiegel Katie Beth, Eliana, & Adam Gottlieb Amy & Joseph Grinstein Jenya Harrison Kathy Harrison Havins & Associates / Michele P. Mullin

Jacqui Hecht & Wayne Dorris Leslie Holland Katherine Jackson Susan Kennedy Tammy Butler Kidd, P.C. Jo Rosenblum King & Friends Ashly Kirkland Thomas & Joanne Kula Lady Liberty Table Suzy LaForge / Pam Reiland / Kelley Tobin Kathy & Randy Lake Rebecca Lamb Jennifer Laporte Joy, Jeffrey & Alicia Lee Louise Levien & Robert Eby / Nancy Wilson & John Dickinson Anne Lewis & David Morris Audrey Maclean Gabby Martinez Jan McNeill Lisa Mellencamp & Chuck Randall Lauren Mintz Ginni Mithoff Montrose Seniors Amy Moss Michele P. Mullin Kate Gunn Pagel & Garner Pagel Linda & Stephen Paine Frances Pengra & Ed Allday Jil & John Pollock Fairfax & Risher Randall ROADwomen Bobbi Samuels Phyllis L. Segal Susan & Ed Septimus Joan Shook & Jeffry Stark Hinda Simon Sponge Worthy Chandra Stone & Friends Janice Stooksberry 2023 VERSUS LUNCHEON

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luncheon sponsors Paige & Brad Taylor Nicola Toubia Retta Van Auken Angie Wiens-Talbert Melinda Winn / Nancy Wilson & John Dickinson Ann Wolf Wonder Woman Warriors Alison Young & Jelani Kendrick UNDERWRITER Ursula Akselrod Edward Allen III Lee & Bob Ardell Becky Schaefer Arnold Paula Arnold Sarah Balinskas Kathy Berkman Butch & Krista Bouchard Kristy J. Bradshaw Claire & Dick Brooks George W. Connelly Alison de Lima Greene June Deadrick Marsha Dodson Parker Folse Rhoda Goldberg Gayle Goodman Tamela & James Hamilton Katy & Clyde Hays Joy Horak-Brown Darci Hubbard Ann Johnson

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Diane S. Kaplan Ann Kaufman Bernice C. Kaufman Elizabeth Kidd Kim Latimer Elaine Loiselle & Dean Burkhardt Layne Mason Valerie McCarthy Debra McLeoud & Jay Keith Sears Kimberly Monday Nancy Powell Moore Barbara Morris Jane G. Moser Veronica Nasser Terrylin Neale Pamela Newberry Betty & Stephen Newton Brenda Peters-Chase Eleanor Porras Janet & Jeff Pozmantier Brad & Amy Richards Isabelle Schwebel Jennifer Smith Spotlight Style Ellen Susman Gayle & Steve Waldman Kristine & Stephen Wallace Connie Wallace Wang Family Paulette Wolfson Carolina Wolk Natalie Wommack

Sign up for Planned Parenthood Lobby Day! FRIDAY, APRIL 14 More information at bit.ly/txlobbyday

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our vision

Planned Parenthood seeks a world in which all children are wanted and cared for, all individuals have equal rights and dignity, sexuality is expressed with honesty, equality, and responsibility, and the decision to bear children is private and voluntary.

our mission

The mission of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Inc. is to ensure the right and ability of all individuals to manage their sexual and reproductive health by providing health services, education and advocacy.

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PLANNED PARENTHOOD GULF COAST www.ppgulfcoast.org