How I came to my Pro-Life convictions I am a cradle Pro-Lifer as my parents were involved since the late 1960s before the 1973 Roe decision.
Elizabeth Graham
Director
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
September 1998
Education BA in Philosophy, Rockhurst College; Some graduate studies at the Center for Thomistic Studies, University of St. Thomas
Place of birth Kansas City, Missouri
If you were in my office you might see
An original movie poster of the "Ten Commandments" that I personally had Charlton Heston sign, pictures from meeting Pope John Paul II, a huge map of Texas.
Favorite travel destination
NYC, Rome, Austria, any beach
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions In addition to raising their six children, my parents welcomed newborn foster infants who were awaiting adoption into our home. Over 75 newborns passed through our home; each one teaching me how fragile and worthy of protection human life is. My parents later shifted their assistance to providing a home for young moms experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Although they probably think we helped them, I learned more from these women than they will ever know. When I started learning more about the teachings of the Church in college and why we are called to be protectors of innocent human life, I grew restless by not being involved and soon became involved with Texas Right to Life.
Teresa Doyle
Financial Director
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
December 2000
Education BBA with minor in Philosophy, summa cum laude, University of St. Thomas
Place of birth Houston, Texas
If you were in my office you might see
Candles, a fountain, pictures of friends and family
Favorite travel destination
St. Martin, Hilton Head
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions My parents instilled in me a strong belief system that included a respect for life from a young age. I became more interested in the protection of innocent human life as I spoke about the issue with my husband's family (who helped to found the Pro-Life movement in Houston). After attending a Celebration of Life gala with them, I felt compelled to become more involved.
Adam Black
Political Director
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
May 2004
Education BS in Political Science, University of Houston
Place of birth Houston, Texas
If you were in my office you might see
A picture of my fiancee and a long to-do list
Favorite travel destination
Anywhere with family
Hobbies
Playing sports, watching movies, spending time with my fiancee
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions
At an early age, Holocaust education taught me the perils of standing by and doing nothing in the face of gross injustice.
Melissa Castillo
Chapter Development Director
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
March 2006.
Education BA in Speech Communication with a minor in English; Texas A&M University WHOOP!
Place of birth Laredo, Texas
If you were in my office you might see
Lots of pictures…my fiance and I, my nephew with a smile the size of Texas, my adorable niece, and my pets
Favorite travel destination
Puerto Rico
Hobbies
Volunteering, writing, dancing
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions
My parents and my faith built a strong pro-life foundation in me. Later, while in college, I felt called to work in the pro-life movement for a summer spent in Laredo. Assisting at the crisis pregnancy center there really strengthened my convictions, as I had the opportunity to counsel young pregnant women that felt alone and unable to bring a baby into the world. During that summer, I had the pleasure of seeing the only abortion clinic in Laredo close. Not long after graduating, God led me to be active in the pro-life movement once again through Texas Right to Life.
V. Angela Villasenor
Data Entry Associate
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
February 2005
Education Houston Community College
Place of birth Corpus Christi, Texas
If you were in my office you might see
A cross
Favorite travel destination
Mexico
Hobbies
Walking to enjoy His creation, tennis, swimming
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions
My twin nieces Amanda and Sandra, age 16 and very much Pro-Life
Information I would like to share I teach first grade Catechism at St. Thomas More, tutor children of single moms, and visit with the sick in nursing homes and hospitals.
Ruby Zimmerman
Receptionist
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
October 2000
Education University of Houston business courses; Dale Carnegie course
Place of birth El Campo, Texas
If you were in my office you might see
A picture of babies from around the world, Bible verses
Favorite travel destination
In past years, Italy and the Holy Land. These days I stay close to home.
Hobbies
Gardening, creative ventures – recycling
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions
While working at an answering service, I answered a call from a very distressed woman who was experiencing severe complications from a botched abortion. She was in shock because she had just experienced the passing of her aborted child at home. My heart broke for her, and I could not believe that something so horrible could happen to a woman. I have never forgotten her and her pleas for help. That call made me realize I had to be involved.
Information I would like to share
My father's greatest financial advice:
1. Owe no man.
2. Don't spend it until you earn it.
3. Save it while you have it, so you can have it when you need it.
Jacqueline Hunt
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
2004.
Education I am currently an UHD undergraduate student.
Place of birth Los Angeles, California
Favorite travel destination
Atlanta, Georgia because that is the last place my mother and I traveled together before she passed away.
Hobbies
Watching baseball & football games, playing volleyball, reading, and teaching
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions
As the child of an unwanted pregnancy, I realize how blessed I am that my mother chose life. Before I was born, my mother had her tubes tied to prevent the possibility of becoming pregnant. My mother had very strong faith in God, and her own personal pro-life beliefs led her to choose life for me. Therefore, my pro-life values stem from my deep devotion to God. I know that every life was created by God and that life at all stages is special and a gift from the Most High.
Julie Leiendecker
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
October 2007.
Education BA in English and Political Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Go CRU! It is true that you learn something new each day.
Place of birth St. Louis, Missouri
If you were in my office, you might see
Sticky notes are everywhere!
Favorite travel destination North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii
Hobbies Surfing every chance I get, writing, studying for the LSATS, soccer, movies, dancing, laughing, traveling, missions, riding my bike, smiling for the camera, photography, meeting new people, mod podge-ing, and eating ice cream!
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions I was raised in an extremely loving, God-centered home. My parents taught me to value life. More importantly, I learned that no matter how big, what color, or how small, all life has a purpose. A series of events helped procure my passion for being a voice in the Pro-Life movement. My best friend was almost aborted when her mother found courage and walked away from a clinic wearing only the gown they gave her. My mother passed away from breast cancer when I was fifteen. As a result, my convictions became even stronger. I realized that you cannot take life for granted. God came so that we all may have abundant life!
Julie Taylor
Development Associate
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
February 2008.
Education BS in Life Science, Kansas State University
Place of birth Minneapolis, Minnesota
If you were in my office, you might see
Stacks of papers and sticky note Bible verses
Favorite travel destination Lake Tahoe, and any other destination where there’s water and mountains
Hobbies Discovering the adventures in Houston, running, cooking, dancing
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions Having the opportunity to be the second oldest of ten kids my understanding and value of life was established early on. Watching each of my siblings develop their unique personalities and qualities showed me how precious life is at every stage, but also helped me to realize that God uses people, regardless of age, race, physical and mental abilities, to teach us invaluable lessons. I also took a number of science courses throughout my college career which only reinforced my initial convictions.
Chris Donatto
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
November 2007.
Education I am an undergraduate student majoring in Theology at St. Thomas.
Place of birth Lafayette, Louisiana
Favorite travel destination
Colorado or anywhere with snow and slopes to board down
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions
My Catholic faith played an enormous role in my pro-life convictions. Whether a person is only going to live a few minutes as a baby or a person in their late stages of life we are all God's creation and we deserve the original dignity He bestowed on us and no one can take that away. We all have a right to life. That is the choice He made.
Jade Southwick
I began serving Texas Right to Life in...
March 2008.
Education Currently attending school for a BS in Nursing.
Place of birth Tulsa, Oklahoma but Houston is my home
If you were in my office, you might see
A little bit of everything
Favorite travel destination Lake Conroe—I love the lake
Hobbies Listening to music, going to church, hanging out with my friends
How I came to my Pro-Life convictions Despite having been an unplanned pregnancy, I didn’t come to my Pro-Life conclusions until I was 18 and beginning to convert. My mother was being pressure to abort me, but still I thought, while I am lucky, my mother had a rough time. After my conversion, I realized that one of those nameless numbers could have been me. I could never have experienced the joys and sorrows of my life, and I would never have had a chance to help anyone else in the world. Once I fully understood the sanctity of life, I knew that life in all its forms no matter how small or how old should be saved because all people are beautiful.
