Alumni Updates - Summer 2004

• In 2004, Maria Luisa Sanchez (2001-2002) became Executive Director of GIRE (Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegida), an influential advocacy organization in Mexico. The same year, GIRE was awarded the Burdick Award by the National Abortion Federation. This prestigious award has been presented annually since 1991 to honor the "unsung heroes" in the Pro Choice movement - those whose work exemplifies the excellence, commitment, and dedication that are the ideals of NAF's members. NAF presented the award to GIRE for its unwavering commitment to decriminalize and destigmatize abortion and contraception in Mexico. It is an award that acknowledges the accomplishments in advancing women's reproductive rights in Mexico.
  
  Luisa received the award on 20 April at NAF's conference in New Orleans. It is a great testament to the work of this important organization in a very trying environment ... and to Luisa.
  
  
• UNFPA has selected Hassan Mohtashami (2001-2002) as its new Deputy Representative in Sudan. He has just relocated to Khartoum and will be joined in July by his family.
  
  
• Congratulations are in order for Sokunthea Ok (2000-2001), who is graduating this June with a Master in Social Work from the University of Washington.
  
  
• Ruth Largaespada (2002-2003) has just joined TeenSmart as its Nicaragua representative. TeenSmart is a program in Central America that provides web-based health education for high school students.