CCRF is proud to be led by a committee of bold leaders rooted in reproductive health, justice, and freedom. Each bringing unique perspectives and valuable organizational skills, Executive Committee members works with CCRF staff to ensure we continue to thrive in our mission for reproductive freedom.
Sylvia Castillo
Executive Director
Sylvia (she/her) joined CCRF as Executive Director in 2024 after participating as a Coalition member for nearly 10 years and having served 6 years on the Executive Advisory Committee. She is a seasoned leader and a champion for reproductive health, rights and justice, with more than a decade of experience in coalition building.
Sylvia has successfully led efforts to expand access to sexual and reproductive health care in California, and her work resulted in the enactment of public policies that have served as models in other states. During her tenure as Director of Government + Community Affairs at Essential Access Health, Sylvia shaped and advanced the organization’s state policy platform and developed patient education and consumer awareness initiatives. She also oversaw the Women + Health Care Reform Coalitions in Sacramento County and the Bay Area. Additionally, she served on the steering committee for the End the Epidemics coalition, which convenes 75 California partners to bring an end to STIs, HIV, viral hepatitis and overdose. Prior to joining Essential Access, Sylvia was a Policy Analyst at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, where she advocated for the health and wellness of patients and their families and communities. A native of Los Angeles, she received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Latin American Studies from UCLA and attended the University of San Francisco Public Affairs graduate program.
Executive Director
Sylvia (she/her) joined CCRF as Executive Director in 2024 after participating as a Coalition member for nearly 10 years and having served 6 years on the Executive Advisory Committee. She is a seasoned leader and a champion for reproductive health, rights and justice, with more than a decade of experience in coalition building.
Sylvia has successfully led efforts to expand access to sexual and reproductive health care in California, and her work resulted in the enactment of public policies that have served as models in other states. During her tenure as Director of Government + Community Affairs at Essential Access Health, Sylvia shaped and advanced the organization’s state policy platform and developed patient education and consumer awareness initiatives. She also oversaw the Women + Health Care Reform Coalitions in Sacramento County and the Bay Area. Additionally, she served on the steering committee for the End the Epidemics coalition, which convenes 75 California partners to bring an end to STIs, HIV, viral hepatitis and overdose. Prior to joining Essential Access, Sylvia was a Policy Analyst at AltaMed Health Services in Los Angeles, where she advocated for the health and wellness of patients and their families and communities. A native of Los Angeles, she received her Bachelor of Arts in History and Latin American Studies from UCLA and attended the University of San Francisco Public Affairs graduate program.
Flor Hunt
Executive Committee President
Flor (she/her) is a dedicated and passionate Peruvian-American advocate for sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of TEACH, a Bay Area based organization that works to develop the next generation of diverse reproductive health champions through abortion training and mentorship. Flor has worked with a variety of international feminist organizations over the last 15 years to support local partners through philanthropy, capacity building and coalition building. She spent close to a decade at Fos Feminista, (formerly IPPF/WHR), working with partners across Latin America to advance sexual and reproductive rights and justice through intersectional advocacy and multi-country social accountability efforts.
Flor attended Cabrillo College, holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of International and Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. She is a Women’s Policy Institute Alum from the class of 2020. Flor was born in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, raised in Santa Cruz, California, and is bilingual in English and Spanish, fluent in Portuguese and speaks French. She is raising a small human, loves to travel, dance and surf, and eat her husband’s delicious meals.
Executive Committee President
Flor (she/her) is a dedicated and passionate Peruvian-American advocate for sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice. She currently serves as Executive Director of TEACH, a Bay Area based organization that works to develop the next generation of diverse reproductive health champions through abortion training and mentorship. Flor has worked with a variety of international feminist organizations over the last 15 years to support local partners through philanthropy, capacity building and coalition building. She spent close to a decade at Fos Feminista, (formerly IPPF/WHR), working with partners across Latin America to advance sexual and reproductive rights and justice through intersectional advocacy and multi-country social accountability efforts.
Flor attended Cabrillo College, holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of International and Public Affairs from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. She is a Women’s Policy Institute Alum from the class of 2020. Flor was born in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, raised in Santa Cruz, California, and is bilingual in English and Spanish, fluent in Portuguese and speaks French. She is raising a small human, loves to travel, dance and surf, and eat her husband’s delicious meals.
Jessica Pinckney Gil
Executive Committee Vice President
Jessica is the Executive Director of ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE. ACCESS removes barriers and builds the power of Californians to achieve reproductive justice. Jessica oversees the organization’s work to combine direct services, community education, and policy advocacy to promote real reproductive options and access to quality health care for people in California. No other organization in the state provides the same range of support for people considering or seeking an abortion.
Jessica previously served as vice president of government affairs at In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, a national/state partnership with eight Black women’s reproductive Justice organizations based in Washington D.C. She also served as government relations manager for YWCA USA and as the legislative analyst at the University of California (UC) Office of Federal Governmental Relations. Jessica holds an M.A. in Government with a concentration in Political Communications from John’s Hopkins University and a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Service from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors for URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, the Guttmacher Institute, and SPARK! Reproductive Justice Now, Inc. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the California Abortion Alliance and the Steering Committee of Black Feminist Future's Constellation Network. Jessica remains a relentless advocate and activist in her spare time. She is an avid reader, a newly found peloton enthusiast, and a loving pet co-parent to her 8-year old American Bulldog, Pitbull Mix, Apollo with her husband.
Executive Committee Vice President
Jessica is the Executive Director of ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE. ACCESS removes barriers and builds the power of Californians to achieve reproductive justice. Jessica oversees the organization’s work to combine direct services, community education, and policy advocacy to promote real reproductive options and access to quality health care for people in California. No other organization in the state provides the same range of support for people considering or seeking an abortion.
Jessica previously served as vice president of government affairs at In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, a national/state partnership with eight Black women’s reproductive Justice organizations based in Washington D.C. She also served as government relations manager for YWCA USA and as the legislative analyst at the University of California (UC) Office of Federal Governmental Relations. Jessica holds an M.A. in Government with a concentration in Political Communications from John’s Hopkins University and a B.A. in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Service from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors for URGE: Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, the Guttmacher Institute, and SPARK! Reproductive Justice Now, Inc. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the California Abortion Alliance and the Steering Committee of Black Feminist Future's Constellation Network. Jessica remains a relentless advocate and activist in her spare time. She is an avid reader, a newly found peloton enthusiast, and a loving pet co-parent to her 8-year old American Bulldog, Pitbull Mix, Apollo with her husband.
Amy Chen, Esq.
Executive Committee Treasurer
Amy is a Senior Attorney in the National Health Law Program’s California office, where she works on sexual and reproductive health law and policy. Her California work includes improving access to pregnancy coverage and services, and supporting implementation of California’s doula Medi-Cal benefit. Her national work includes leading NHeLP’s efforts to reduce maternal health disparities and address systemic barriers to comprehensive pregnancy care. She also leads NHeLP’s Doula Medicaid Project, which works to expand access to full spectrum doula care for all pregnant, postpartum, and post-pregnancy people.
Before joining NHeLP, Amy worked at Bay Area Legal Aid in Oakland, California for eight years, where she provided direct legal services to individuals and families across the San Francisco Bay Area, and advocated on a wide range of issues including health care reform, Medi-Cal, Covered California, and private health insurance.
Executive Committee Treasurer
Amy is a Senior Attorney in the National Health Law Program’s California office, where she works on sexual and reproductive health law and policy. Her California work includes improving access to pregnancy coverage and services, and supporting implementation of California’s doula Medi-Cal benefit. Her national work includes leading NHeLP’s efforts to reduce maternal health disparities and address systemic barriers to comprehensive pregnancy care. She also leads NHeLP’s Doula Medicaid Project, which works to expand access to full spectrum doula care for all pregnant, postpartum, and post-pregnancy people.
Before joining NHeLP, Amy worked at Bay Area Legal Aid in Oakland, California for eight years, where she provided direct legal services to individuals and families across the San Francisco Bay Area, and advocated on a wide range of issues including health care reform, Medi-Cal, Covered California, and private health insurance.
Onyemma Obiekea
Executive Committee Secretary
Onyemma is the Policy Director for Black Women for Wellness (BWW) and its sister organization, Black Women for Wellness Action Project (BWW/AP). She began her work in Reproductive Justice as Program Coordinator for BWW’s Get Smart B4U Get Sexy Program - the comprehensive sex and sexuality education program of the Organization’s RJ focused Project, Sisters in Control. Since then, she has continued her work in RJ in varying capacities and currently works on behalf of BWW/AP, to advance intersectional, transformative legislation that seeks to secure the health and wellbeing of Black women and Girls throughout California.
Onyenma holds a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law and Master of Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine. She is committed to contributing to the global realization of RJ, by leveraging her training and experience in the field.
Executive Committee Secretary
Onyemma is the Policy Director for Black Women for Wellness (BWW) and its sister organization, Black Women for Wellness Action Project (BWW/AP). She began her work in Reproductive Justice as Program Coordinator for BWW’s Get Smart B4U Get Sexy Program - the comprehensive sex and sexuality education program of the Organization’s RJ focused Project, Sisters in Control. Since then, she has continued her work in RJ in varying capacities and currently works on behalf of BWW/AP, to advance intersectional, transformative legislation that seeks to secure the health and wellbeing of Black women and Girls throughout California.
Onyenma holds a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law and Master of Public Health from Tufts University School of Medicine. She is committed to contributing to the global realization of RJ, by leveraging her training and experience in the field.
Ruth Dawson
Executive Committee Lobbyist Liaison
Ruth (she/her/hers) is a Legislative Attorney with the ACLU California Action where her portfolio includes Gender, Sexuality & Reproductive Justice and Democracy & Civic Engagement. She returned to the ACLU after spending two years working in federal policy with the Guttmacher Institute. There, her work focused on publicly funded family planning programs and providers and on immigrants’ sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Prior to joining Guttmacher, Ruth was Staff Attorney and Policy Counsel for the LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project and the Economic Justice Project of the ACLU of Southern California. She has worked to expand access to a broad range of reproductive and sexual health care, eliminate religious restrictions on reproductive and gender-affirming health care, protect confidential access to care for youth and survivors of violence, implement comprehensive sex education, strengthen paid leave, and uphold the dignity of pregnant and parenting people in schools, in the workplace, and in carceral settings. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Public Health from Emory University and holds a joint undergraduate degree from UCLA in International Development and Spanish.
Executive Committee Lobbyist Liaison
Ruth (she/her/hers) is a Legislative Attorney with the ACLU California Action where her portfolio includes Gender, Sexuality & Reproductive Justice and Democracy & Civic Engagement. She returned to the ACLU after spending two years working in federal policy with the Guttmacher Institute. There, her work focused on publicly funded family planning programs and providers and on immigrants’ sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Prior to joining Guttmacher, Ruth was Staff Attorney and Policy Counsel for the LGBTQ, Gender & Reproductive Justice Project and the Economic Justice Project of the ACLU of Southern California. She has worked to expand access to a broad range of reproductive and sexual health care, eliminate religious restrictions on reproductive and gender-affirming health care, protect confidential access to care for youth and survivors of violence, implement comprehensive sex education, strengthen paid leave, and uphold the dignity of pregnant and parenting people in schools, in the workplace, and in carceral settings. She holds a Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Public Health from Emory University and holds a joint undergraduate degree from UCLA in International Development and Spanish.
Zaire Bailey
Executive Committee Member
Zaire is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC), the state-wide public policy and advocacy office representing seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. In this role, Zaire implements and evaluates the organization's initiatives, working collaboratively with partners, coalitions, and legislators to advance policies promoting sexual and reproductive health care. Zaire's leadership extends to managing state, regional, and national initiatives, including the California Future of Abortion Council and the successful 2022 Prop 1 Campaign.
Before joining PPAC, Zaire worked in Majority Leader Robert M. Hertzberg's office as a 2018 California State Senate Fellow. While pursuing graduate studies at UC San Diego, she focused on race, gender, and intersectionality in American politics. Zaire holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College, a historically black college for women, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She currently serves as a Strategic Advisor for the California Coalition for Black Birth Justice.
Executive Committee Member
Zaire is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC), the state-wide public policy and advocacy office representing seven separately incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates. In this role, Zaire implements and evaluates the organization's initiatives, working collaboratively with partners, coalitions, and legislators to advance policies promoting sexual and reproductive health care. Zaire's leadership extends to managing state, regional, and national initiatives, including the California Future of Abortion Council and the successful 2022 Prop 1 Campaign.
Before joining PPAC, Zaire worked in Majority Leader Robert M. Hertzberg's office as a 2018 California State Senate Fellow. While pursuing graduate studies at UC San Diego, she focused on race, gender, and intersectionality in American politics. Zaire holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College, a historically black college for women, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She currently serves as a Strategic Advisor for the California Coalition for Black Birth Justice.
Michelle Rivera
Executive Committee Member
Michelle (they/them) is rooted in the rural communities of the Central Valley in California. They are currently the Program Manager at ACT for Women & Girls, a reproductive justice organization that builds power through leadership development, community organizing, advocacy, and policy change in local communities. Michelle is passionate about reproductive, racial, and queer and trans justice. For the past 10 years, they have worked in the reproductive justice movement in different capacities. From implementing comprehensive sexual health education at rural schools to advocating and supporting state-wide legislation, they continue to work in community with those most impacted by systematic injustices.
Executive Committee Member
Michelle (they/them) is rooted in the rural communities of the Central Valley in California. They are currently the Program Manager at ACT for Women & Girls, a reproductive justice organization that builds power through leadership development, community organizing, advocacy, and policy change in local communities. Michelle is passionate about reproductive, racial, and queer and trans justice. For the past 10 years, they have worked in the reproductive justice movement in different capacities. From implementing comprehensive sexual health education at rural schools to advocating and supporting state-wide legislation, they continue to work in community with those most impacted by systematic injustices.