Why We’re Still Fighting for the Equal Rights Amendment
October 09, 2024
On this Mother’s Day the moms at the ERA Coalition have a message for you:
Bettina Hager
“For this Mother's Day, I fight for the ERA and I fight for it for my daughter, but I also fight for it for myself and for everyone who fills this role."
Bettina Hager is the DC Director of Advocacy and Outreach for the ERA Coalition Bettina has conducted focused lobby training workshops across the country on the issue of constitutional equality. She has also organized and moderated briefings on the Equal Rights Amendment in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. In 2018, she was named one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Women’s News. Bettina graduated from St. Olaf College with a degree in Biology and concentration in Women’s Studies.
Jamel Hicks
“Happy Mother's Day to all women who are mothers and choose to engage in mothering and any type of mothering, any caretakers, step moms, foster moms, moms through adoption, IVF moms, aunts, grandmas, godmothers. We appreciate you and happy Mother's Day for all the work and love that you give."
Jamel is the Partnership & Program Coordinator for the ERA Coalition. She has worked in membership, registration, and programming at nonprofits for 14 years, and is a blogger and advocate on issues of reproductive health and infertility for Black women. Her background is in dance and theatre, performing occasionally in local companies. She also earned an MA in Non-Profit Management (Arts Management), and a BFA in Dance with a minor in African American Studies, both from George Mason University.
Elisa Parker
“My wish for all of us on Mother's Day is that we have peace of mind. Following in the footsteps of Julia Ward Howe's proclamation that my children are safe, that my neighbors are safe, our community at large is safe.”
Elisa currently oversees Equal Voice | Equal Future, our gender justice media hub. She connects people through the power of story, partnership and solutions to amplify women’s leadership and close the gender gap. She has served as the founder of cutting edge organizations and programs, a nationally acclaimed radio host, coalition builder, strategist and visionary for equity and social justice. Elisa holds a BA in Communications from San Francisco State and a MA in Organization Development & Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Velu Ochoa
“I want to celebrate those who choose motherhood despite all the obstacles that moms face to thrive, and I hope in the future, moms have all the support needed to continue to be great moms.”
Velu Ochoa is the Social Media Manager and Digital Strategist for the ERA Coalition. She has over 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit and private sectors. Velu is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of her life. Velu has a Master’s degree from UNCW.
