The Guttmacher Institute is pleased to announce that Logina Mostafa is the recipient of the 2019 Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship. Ms. Mostafa, who was chosen from a pool of 168 outstanding applicants, will use the scholarship to complete a master’s degree in public health at the New York University College of Global Public Health, with a concentration in public health policy and a focus on sexual and reproductive health.

"With this scholarship," Ms. Mostafa said, "I will be able to learn how to develop and implement policies that break down barriers to reproductive health care, and thereby improve the health of marginalized communities."

Ms. Mostafa has impressive experience in the fields of reproductive and public health. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in gender, women’s and sexuality studies at the University of Iowa, she lobbied at the state and national levels to protect funding for Planned Parenthood and cofounded the school’s Planned Parenthood student organization. She also worked with the university’s Women’s Resource & Action Center as a peer educator in its violence prevention education program. For two years, she volunteered as a patient advocate at the Emma Goldman Clinic, in Iowa City, where she supported patients receiving abortion care.

"We are delighted to award this year’s scholarship to Logina Mostafa," said Jonathan Wittenberg, interim CEO and vice president of development at the Guttmacher Institute, and a member of the scholarship selection committee. "Ms. Mostafa’s dedication to sexual and reproductive health and rights shines through in her academic pursuits and her volunteer work. The leadership and promise she has shown as an advocate for equitable, evidence-based policies makes her a worthy recipient of this scholarship—and precisely the kind of person whom Cory Richards sought to support during his career."

Named in honor of a leading figure in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights whose remarkable career at the Guttmacher Institute spanned nearly four decades, the Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship reflects what was for Cory a deep commitment: mentoring and nurturing the professional growth of emerging leaders. The scholarship provides financial support to students seeking advanced degrees in public health or public policy with the intention of devoting their careers to advancing policy related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Each year, one individual is designated as the Cory L. Richards Scholar and awarded a one-time scholarship of $15,000 to support full-time graduate study at an accredited institution in the United States. In keeping with the institute’s and Cory’s dedication to equalizing opportunity, priority is given to students with demonstrated financial need.

Find out more about past Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship recipients.