Daniela Ochoa Diaz

(she/her/hers)

Senior Director of Policy

What I do at URGE:
As the Senior Director of Policy my focus is on creating and executing strategy for our state and federal policy work. I work in close partnership with URGE’s state teams to execute their local strategies, and at the Federal level my focus encompasses Congress, Health and Human Services, and the White House.

I was first motivated to work in Reproductive Justice when:
I worked at Allentown Women’s Center — Reproductive Justice was critical to providing patient-centered care

Advice I would give to young people who want to work in RJ:
We’re ready to support you and your education in the long and ever-so-relevant history of Reproductive Justice.

The aspect of RJ I am most passionate about:
Honestly, I’m driven by the full scope of RJ. I would add that maternal health, and the intersections of economic justice, immigrant justice, and climate justice are always at the forefront of my mind.

I wish more people knew about RJ:
This is “long arc” work, and it’s important to redefine what a win looks like in the short- and long-term.

My first “activist” memory is:
When I applied for an Environmental Program Grant to create expandable potable water systems for small rural communities of 150-400 people. Rural access to clean water is life, and the experience was critical to beginning my career in activism.

I felt most liberated when:
I had my abortion

Things I LOVE:
Justice, good food, dogs, and national parks

When I need to recharge my batteries, I:
Go to yoga, walk in the woods, lay down on my hammock (indoors or outdoors to look at the sky)