Oriaku Njoku

As the executive director of the National Network of Abortion Funds, the work Oriaku Njoku does in combatting reproductive oppression is pivotal during a time in our country when reproductive rights are at risk of being overthrown and overruled—especially in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade earlier this year. To be clear, her work didn’t start with NNAF, it actually began 10 years ago and proved more and more impactful in 2015 when they co-founded ARC-Southeast. The organization’s mission is to provide funding and logistical support to ensure Southerners receive safe and compassionate reproductive care including abortion services. Through education and leadership development, ARC-Southeast aims to eliminate the economic barriers limiting one’s access to reproductive care; build and encourage community involvement in the movement for reproductive justice in the South; advance equitable rights in reproductive decision-making through public advocacy and education; and increase physical access to healthcare providers and reproductive care. Earlier this year, Njoku was also recognized as one of the honorees on the 2022 TIME100 Next list.