Claudia Perez (B.A., ’20) is taking an active role in supporting reproductive healthcare in Colorado while working at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. Driven by a mission to transform healthcare and empower communities, Perez is utilizing the skills she learned as a communication studies student to advocate for change.

From Local Impact to Statewide Advocacy

Perez began her career in social justice at a local mental health center for Latine, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant families. She served in multiple roles, fueling her passion for improving public health, building community power, and destigmatizing essential healthcare.

In January 2022, Perez began working at Planned Parenthood of the Rockies as the Colorado Public Affairs Manager. Later that year, as Roe v. Wade was overturned, Perez’s role took on new urgency.

“My purpose is to mobilize and organize community advocates to protect bodily autonomy in Colorado and expand access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health,” Perez said.

As Perez stepped into her role at Planned Parenthood, she quickly realized the scope of the challenges facing reproductive healthcare advocates. Perez saw firsthand how Colorado has become an essential access point for reproductive healthcare.

“Unsurprisingly, our state’s healthcare infrastructure was not designed to handle the level of patient volume we’re seeing from people traveling to Colorado for abortion services,” Perez explained. “We are doing everything we can to meet the demand of both out-of-state patients and those who might live just up the street.”

Despite these challenges, Perez remains hopeful about supporting this critical movement. She emphasized the importance of skilled leadership in navigating reproductive rights advocacy.

“We need leaders who can help us navigate this challenging movement,” Perez said. “We need people with the skills to build bridges across differences, shape cultural narratives, and hold elected officials accountable.”

Communication Skills in Social Justice Work

Perez’s success in navigating reproductive rights advocacy is deeply rooted in her academic background. Drawing on her own experience, she sees immense value in communication studies.

“Communication studies students are social architects and experts – we all need what they have to offer,” said Perez. “Being a CSU Communication Studies student gave me the skillset to approach complex problems with an intersectional and critical lens. My degree also gave me the tools to examine how cultures are formed, how narratives are created, and how I can influence change at both micro and macro levels.”

Perez also acknowledges the importance of dialogue and critical thinking. These skills prove invaluable in her current role, which requires her to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.

“It’s imperative that I know how to engage stakeholders effectively and empathically,” said Perez, referring to her interactions with elected officials, organizational partners, local providers, community advocates, and impacted families.

This ability to connect with diverse stakeholders becomes especially crucial in the current climate.  Amid often-contentious discourse surrounding reproductive healthcare, Perez’s communication skills allow her to engage in critical conversations.

“Our communities are complex and capable of holding multiple identities and self-truths simultaneously,” said Perez. “I’m not afraid to have these difficult conversations and deeply appreciate the intricate tapestry of diversity and difference that shapes our communities.”

Empowering Future Change-Makers

As she reflects on her journey, Perez recognizes her education’s profound impact. “I believe my time as a communication studies student truly solidified my belief that change begins with you,” said Perez. “Live your values, stay engaged in your community, meet your neighbors, and care for those around you. We’re all responsible for improving the world we live in.”

Perez encourages students interested in social justice to volunteer with organizations aligning with their values. “Volunteers are the backbone of our advocacy programs, and working with them has shown me the immense value they bring,” said Perez.

She also reminds students to embrace the journey. “You don’t need to be a subject matter expert in your chosen issue area the day you graduate,” explained Perez. “That expertise will develop over time with experience. Your journey is your own, and we all have to start somewhere.”

Perez’s story exemplifies the diverse career paths open to CSU Communication Studies graduates. For those inspired by her journey and interested in exploring similar opportunities, learn more about our degree program, including the accelerated and online programs, here.