History Sistas of PPCNA was formed in 2002 as part of Planned Parenthood’s African American Outreach Program. Sistas of PPCNA is a group of African American women from diverse backgrounds who partner with PPCNA to raise awareness of reproductive health issues in the African American community. Sistas of PPCNA Mission To empower and educate African American women, men and youths about responsible choices in an effort to reduce reproductive and sexual health disparities. Areas of Focus To mobilize the community and raise awareness surrounding the following issues: Teen Pregnancy, including Infant Mortality Women’s Health Issues, breast cancer, cervical cancer and access to care Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including HIV/AIDS Community Contributions In an effort to educate and generate community involvement Sistas of AZ coordinated and facilitated the following series of information sharing events/efforts: Sexual Health Forum to ASU Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Youth and Healthy Relationship Workshop at the Black Youth Recognition Conference First Healthy Sexuality Forum for the African American community, “Respectin and Protectin Yourself” with completed video project, underwritten by Maricopa Community College TV Sistas of PPCNA brochure Sponsored in conjunction with ASU the “One Week” movie screening, HIV/AIDS project , including campus of Phoenix College Presented “Respectin and Protectin Yourself II”, with a Women’s Health forum, that included Domestic Violence Prevention and Mammogram Advocacy Presence at a variety of community events and fundraisers Annual presenters at the African American Legislative Days Conference * Joined with PPCNA in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk Coordinated and co-facilitated Phoenix’s first sexuality conference, Real Life Real Talk Adopt an African American Family Christmas Project – City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center, (2003) Fresh Start Women’s Foundation (2004) and Phoenix Shanti Group, Inc. (2005) "To support PPCNA’s mission and vision, since inception, Sistas has utilized its members’ expertise and talent to provide in-kind services, donate endless volunteer hours, and actively pursue fundraising opportunities (approximately $10,000 to date)” Presented Unite 4 Life an African American Response to Domestic Violence event in collaboration with City of Phoenix Family Advocacy Center and other agencies. Presented in collaboration with Brothas of AZ and South Mountain High School annual, Sexual Health Education Fair. Fundraiser in collaboration with AZ Black Film Showcase and in partnership with Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Sometimes I Cry” performance. Presented 2nd annual Unite 4 Life in collaboration with City of Phoenix, Fair Worthy Institute and other agencies. (2006) Presented in collaboration with Planned Parenthood and Estella Mountain Community College, Black student union. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day event. (2007) Pray for a cure campaign, in collaboration with Black Nurses Association, received grant from Susan G. Komen to raise awareness for breast cancer (2007) The organizations contribution and efforts have not been unrecognized. Sistas of AZ has received recognition from the Phoenix Business Journal as finalists for the Health Care Hero Award and received the Education CHOICE Award given by Planned Parenthood at the Roe v Wade luncheon (2005). The organization’s contributions and presence in the community has reached many media outlets including the AZ Informant, Ebony Cactus Magazine, SHADES Magazine, Business Journal, AZ Black Pages, AZ Republic, AZ Women’s Magazine, KYOT Valley Views, TV 3 Urban Connections, Channel 12, ABC 15 and Maricopa Community College TV. Formation of Sistas of AZ Sistas of PPCNA has enjoyed two years as a volunteer outreach program of Planned Parenthood and will continue to collaborate with PPCNA. However, we recognize that there are many other African American women health related issues within our community that we’d like to address including, infant mortality, domestic violence, mental health, heart disease, nutrition, and so on. To expand our scope, in September 2004 Sistas of PPCNA was dissolved and Sistas of AZ “Promoting Healthy Lifestyles” was created. Sistas of AZ are a volunteer group of African American women who are community leaders that represent various organizations, businesses and diverse backgrounds. Members of Sistas of AZ are dedicated and committed to giving back and making a difference in our community. Sistas of AZ Mission To empower and educate the African American community about responsible choices to reduce reproductive, sexual health and women’s health disparities. Our core values: Excellence Integrity Commitment Communication Areas of Focus To continue to be an intricate part in the community and raise awareness we have included in our vision issues surrounding: Heart Disease Infant Mortality Mental Health Domestic Violence Nutrition, etc. Through the formation of strategic partnerships Sistas of AZ goals for the upcoming year will be to continue to raise awareness, educate, and empower our community on issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health and other African American women health-related issues. Members of Sistas of AZ Tina Brown, Founder & President – Planned Parenthood Jeanine Bashir -Community Volunteer Alexus Rhone –Teen Author Angie Morton – Community Volunteer Chauna Cox – City of Phoenix Amber Moss – Community Volunteer Darlene Berry – Community Volunteer Dawn Mabry – Community Volunteer Lanette Campbell – Community Volunteer Deborah Chapman – KEYS Community Center Deidra Gossett – Community Volunteer Denise Meredith – The Leadership Consortium Deidra Gossett – Community Volunteer Ginger Spencer – City of Phoenix Joanna Deshay – Arizona Public Service Judy Register – City of Scottsdale Katia Brown – Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) Leah Landrum Taylor, Arizona State Legislator, District 8 Mia Ricardo – Community Volunteer Michelle Fitzhugh Craig – Community Volunteer Monica Williams – Community Volunteer Tracee Hall – City of Phoenix Mayor’s Office Walidah Muhammad – Community Volunteer Lisa Maxie Mullins – AZ Attorney General’s Office Deb Wynn – AZ Informant Newspaper Athena Hampton – Community Volunteer Mary Barksdale – Kronos Institute Charley Taylor – Taylor Made Promotions Rasheda Worthy – The Worthy Institute, LLC Elaine Starks – Phoenix Flames Sheila Johnson – Planned Parenthood Ferderation of America Karen Walker – Community Volunteer Karla Stephens – Community Volunteer June Manning – Community Volunteer Amber Turner – Community Volunteer