June 2025 Newsletter
Pride. Power. Progress. A Look Back at June.
June was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and just how much we can build together.
We celebrated Pride Month
This month, we were proud to stand alongside LGBTQ+ advocates and organizations across South Carolina who are doing the essential work every day to build safer, more inclusive communities. From sharing stories to creating spaces for connection and healing, our partners serve as an example of what it means to lead with courage, joy, and love in the face of adversity. We’re grateful to be in this movement with them.
We honored Juneteenth
We took time to remember the fight for Black liberation and reflect on the ongoing work toward racial justice. Juneteenth is not just a day of remembrance—it’s a call to action. And we’re proud to continue that work side by side with so many powerful community partners. In our June blog, we explored South Carolina’s deep ties to this history and recognized the Black women whose leadership continues to shape the fight for justice today. You can read the full post here.
We marked three years since the fall of Roe v. Wade
Today, June 24, marks a sobering anniversary. It’s been three years since the fall of Roe, and the effects continue to ripple across South Carolina, threatening the health, rights, and futures of countless people. And yet, in the face of every obstacle, this community continues to rise—with strength, compassion, and determination. In a recent piece for the SC Daily Gazette, “3 Years After the Fall of Roe, SC is Suffering Under Abortion Ban,” I wrote about the devastating impact of these bans and the urgent need for change.
Throughout the month, WREN turned reflection into action. We shared stories, amplified calls to action, and created space for connection, healing, and advocacy. June reminded us that our greatest strength is in our people—and that lasting change is possible when we work together.
Thank you for being in this with us.
Policy Update from Chief Strategy Officer Ashley Lidow
WREN hosted a powerful webinar “What’s Next for Abortion Access in SC?” in partnership with Palmetto State Abortion Fund, where legal and policy experts broke down the current abortion landscape, the stakes involved, and strategies to keep advancing reproductive rights in SC.
Watch the full conversation here.
If you or someone you love has been impacted by South Carolina’s abortion ban, we invite you to share your story. By speaking out, you help put a human face on policies that too often ignore our realities: https://www.scwren.org/advocacy-resources/share-your-story/
Together, we can make sure our voices are heard—and our rights are protected.
Events Recap from Partnership & Engagement Associate Aisha Jones
June has been a month of impact, advocacy, and celebration!
We showed up in solidarity and sparkle at Power Pop Girls, a fabulous tribute to iconic pop stars and a joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. It was a night filled with love, music, and community—reminding us how powerful it is to show up and stand together.
We gathered for an issues-based letter-writing party that brought together a passionate group of community members. Together, we took action on key issues—and we’re proud to share that 25 new advocates were trained during the event! These changemakers are now equipped with the tools they need to keep pushing for a better, more just South Carolina.
We end the month with Centering Joy: Maternal Health Summit, presented by the South Carolina Black Maternal Health Collective. We’ll be there this weekend to table, connect, and share the work we’re doing to improve maternal health outcomes in South Carolina—while learning from other inspiring organizations and leaders working in this vital space.
As always, we’re deeply grateful to be in this work with all of you—and we’re excited about what’s ahead in July. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage, advocate, and make change together!
Donor Relations Note from Senior Director of Development Amanda Manly
Sometimes working at a nonprofit turns into a bit of a family project. That happened to me a few weeks ago when I bribed a group of tween boys—my son and his friends—with pizza in exchange for helping stuff a few hundred envelopes. At first, they were dragging their feet and doing more complaining than folding. But once I told them about WREN and our mission to protect the rights of women and girls, everything shifted. One of them said, “Now that I know what the cause is, this feels really important!” Suddenly the stamps were straighter, and the papers were folded neatly.
It was a great reminder that no matter our age or role, we all have something to contribute. WREN’s mission doesn’t move forward because of one person—it takes all of us pitching in, whether that’s with time, talent, treasure, or even envelope stuffing. Every bit counts.
Here’s to another month ahead as we fight for a liberated South Carolina for women and girls, together.
In community,
Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO
Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network