Making REPRO History at the 2026 REPRO Rising VA gala
A joyful celebration and commitment to reproductive freedom
The 2026 REPRO Rising Virginia gala celebration was held in Alexandria last Friday, June 5, and honored the history we are making in the fight for reproductive rights across the Commonwealth with our theme Making REPRO History!
REPRO Rising VA board chair Zakiya Thomas told attendees that, “Love, joy, and fun are our resistance against hate, fear, and oppression!” That set the tone for a joyful celebration of our success over the past year.
Laura Gayton from southwest Virginia received the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award. She was nominated by Blacksburg canvass organizer Trey McDonald. Though neither Laura nor Trey could be present at the gala, Trey shared his story of meeting her at an event in 2025 in a recorded video. Since last year, Laura has had in-depth conversations with voters in her community through our deep canvass program and knocked on more than 400 doors!
Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy received the 2026 Aggie Wolf Defender of Reproductive Freedom award this year, in large part due to her patronage of the Contraceptive Equity Act and Right to Contraception Act in the 2026 General Assembly session.
These pieces of legislation will not only ensure the right to birth control in the Commonwealth, but also that it is accessible to as many Virginians as possible through required coverage by health insurance companies without cost sharing or co-pays, including over-the-counter options.
These laws could be game changers for Virginians who cannot afford access to the type of birth control that is best for them through their health insurance currently; and may be a lifesaver in rural communities without access to as many healthcare providers.
Generous REPRO Rising VA Donor Diane Smith offered a $20,000 donation if gala attendees were able to raise a matching amount. While donating under names like “A Cat Lady,” “The Reflecting Pool,” and “No Kings,” attendees contributed more than $25,000 to the organization during the pitch portion of the evening, exceeding the $20,000 goal!
Storyteller and advocate Kaitlyn Joshua joined the event to share her experience living in the abortion ban state of Louisiana. In 2022, while pregnant with her second child, Kaitlyn experienced miscarriage complications at 11 weeks. She sought care at multiple Baton Rouge–area hospitals but was denied treatment due to Louisiana’s abortion ban. Kaitlyn’s story highlights the importance of protecting access to a spectrum of reproductive freedoms at a time when healthcare is under attack in states across the country.
House Majority Leader Charniele Herring closed out the speaking portion of the evening with a keynote on the importance of this work, not just to Virginians, but to anyone seeking access to reproductive healthcare. Leader Herring received applause throughout her remarks, riling up the attendees for the work we’ve done together and the work we still have yet to do.
Onward, to making REPRO history!
