Lyndsay Sanborn: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Their Work

At Power to Decide, we’re committed to improving reproductive well-being for all. To fulfill that mission our staff is full of passionate people who are committed to providing trusted information, expanding access to quality services, and catalyzing culture change. Read on to meet a member of our staff because behind every initiative, resource, and advocacy effort, there’s a real person making it happen.  

Lyndsay Sanborn, MHPA

Director of Instructional Design 

What’s your role at Power to Decide and what brought you to our organization?

I am the Director of Instructional Design here at Power to Decide which means I lead the design, development, and delivery of digital instructional products and trainings. I have spent over 25 years creating engaging, accessible, and empowering educational opportunities that address issues of health equity, capacity building, reproductive well-being, and sexual health. Before joining Power to Decide, I worked providing directive, technical, and substantive leadership in the development and implementation of online learning communities and policy hubs for the Centers for Disease Control, Human Resources and Services Administration, HealthHIV, and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services.

What fuels your passion for advancing reproductive well-being?

Working with young people. I love getting to support and uplift future leaders of the sexual and reproductive health landscape. Witnessing the creativity, tenacity, and grit of young people as they form the next wave of those fighting for bodily autonomy and reproductive well-being is why I love my job so much and it keeps me coming back no matter how hard it gets.

In the last year, what work at Power to Decide excited you most?

I have had the privilege of being part of the team that launched Beyond the Sheets, a new student-led initiative to address the sexual and reproductive health needs of students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative aims to advance a culture of reproductive well-being, an innovative framework centered on the belief that every person should have equitable access to the information, services, systems, and support they need to have control over their bodies, and to make their own decisions related to sexuality and reproduction throughout their lives.

What’s a piece of behind-the-scenes work with Power to Decide that you’re proud of?

I am the chair of the Employee Engagement Committee at Power to Decide. Along with my fabulous colleagues on the committee, I strive to create a supportive and positive workplace for our coworkers. From planning our annual staff retreat to convening fun and engaging time to just get to know one another, the Employee Engagement Committee is a real joy to lead and be a part of.

Can you name one thing outside of work that gives you joy?

In my spare time, I am a watercolor artist studying natural science illustration. Recently I traveled to Italy to paint my way through the Tuscan countryside, and I have an upcoming trip to California to sea kayak and sketch tide pool eco-systems. This summer I will be teaching a digital art camp and watercolor classes for young artists. Creating and experiencing joy is a form of resistance and I am taking that to heart this year by supporting my local arts community and holding space to create in my own studio.