Monica Edwards: 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.
Monica Edwards, JD (She/her)
Senior Manager, Public Policy
What’s your role at Power to Decide and what brought you to our organization?
I work as the Senior Manager, Public Policy at Power to Decide where my work focuses on government relations and federal policy advocacy related to abortion, contraception, and federal programs that support those issues. I came to Power to Decide after working with many of its staff in coalitions and wanting to expand my knowledge and skills in federal policy.
What fuels your passion for advancing reproductive well-being?
My goal/motto in life is to leave the world better than I found it. As someone who’s been impacted by many of the issues that I now advocate for as well as related issues, I wanted to work to advance policies and shift culture so that more people have access to the information, resources, and care they need to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures free from stigma, shame, and interference.
We all deserve the right to bodily autonomy, self-determination, and a world free from white supremacy, and systemic oppression. I may not see reproductive well-being for all in my lifetime, but I can do my part to bring us closer to a world where it can be actualized.
In the last year, what work at Power to Decide excited you most?
In addition to the policy work, I’ve really enjoyed working with our Beyond the Sheets (BTS) team and ambassadors. Our BTS ambassadors work on their college campuses to educate peers on reproductive well-being and support them with information, resources, and access to care. Whether it’s supporting them with policy related content, helping them lobby their legislators, or simply keeping them updated on the latest policy news, I really enjoy helping to support and amplify their work. They are truly brilliant leaders.
What’s a piece of behind-the-scenes work with Power to Decide that you’re proud of?
Once piece of behind-the-scenes work I’m proud of is the work I’ve done helping members of Congress combat misinformation and disinformation on contraception as well as overall work to provide messaging support to their offices. Anytime I can shape the narrative so that issues not only accurately capture what is happening on the ground but also making sure it centers those most impacted is very important and rewarding to me.
Can you name one thing outside of work that gives you joy?
Something outside of work that gives me joy is definitely family and staying active. Anytime I can de-stress as well as center love and laughter, that brings me immense joy. Staying active and family definitely does that for me!
