20 Years of WIN

The summer between my first and second years in college, I was an intern for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) Action Fund.

I am still in touch with many of the people I met that summer (Rebecca B., Nikki E., Jordan F., Sunshine M., Lena Z., and Rachel L., to name a few...) and they have served as really important personal and professional mentors as I have pursued a career in the reproductive rights community (the founding members of my personal board of directors, if you will). Many great things happened during my internship at PPFA, including the suggestion that I join the WIN List. I had no idea what that was in 2002... but WIN (or the Women's Information Network) has served me well ever since I purchased my first intern/student membership as a sophomore in college.

According to the WIN website, "WIN is Washington’s premier professional, political, and social network dedicated to empowering young, Democratic, pro-choice women. Founded in 1989 on the idea that women can help women climb the ladder of success, WIN is now over 1,000 members strong and growing."

And if you've ever contacted me about your job search in Washington, my first response is ALWAYS that you join WIN. Or if you've ever had a question about finding a good doctor, hair stylist, moving company, accountant, apartment, dogsitter, or running partner, WIN will almost always be my first suggestion (or my 100th blog post which contains much of the same information).

So, when I saw a posting over the WIN e-mail list that the organization was looking for someone to photograph their 20th Anniversary Affair at K Street Lounge, I jumped at the chance! I had a great time documenting the evening.

Here are a few of my favorite photos...