Madison, WI — October 16, 2023 — Today, WMF Wisconsin announced Ali Muldrow as the organization’s first-ever Executive Director. Ali’s extensive background as an educator and community organizer will help bring WMF Wisconsin into a bold, new chapter amid the evolving, challenging landscape for abortion access.
Ali joins WMF Wisconsin after five years as Co-Executive Director of Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools (GSAFE). During her tenure, she developed curriculum and strategy that centered the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth of color. She also launched GSAFE’s New Narrative Project in the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center. Ali currently serves as a member of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Board of Education.
As WMF’s first professional staff hire, Ali will bring critical capacity to take on the organization’s strategies and priorities to: increase funding for abortions and practical support; build community power for culture and political change; raise WMF Wisconsin’s visibility in the community so everyone knows how to get an abortion; and build organizational infrastructure.
Ali Muldrow says:
“When I was 16 years old, WMF supported me with $200 for an abortion. I paid for the rest of the procedure with money I earned at my fast food job. I know exactly what it’s like to terminate a pregnancy and rely on strangers for help.
“Because I was able to access an abortion, I have defined my own path. My leadership comes from a place of support and understanding. I am committed to this work for the long haul. As a mama of three daughters, I will never take my role as Executive Director of WMF Wisconsin lightly.
“Together we can make change. We are in an ongoing battle to ensure access and protect our communities from punishment. Now is the time for us to unify and organize. Now is the time for us to fight for reproductive autonomy for all — not just the few.”
WMF Board President Cynthia Lin reflects:
“Ali Muldrow is exactly the leader for abortion access that our organization and Wisconsin needs, especially now. Ali has worked with unwavering commitment to abortion access as it is connected to racial, economic, and reproductive justice. She brings people together around what is both possible and necessary. She embodies our mandate to fund abortion and build power.”
Founded in 1972, WMF Wisconsin is part of a network of abortion funds across the U.S. that provide financial and logistical support for people seeking abortions. With abortion services gradually reopening in Wisconsin, abortion funding continues to be critical, given continued anti-abortion threats. In June 2023, WMF Wisconsin provided $72,000 in abortion funding and logistical support for abortion access, the highest monthly amount since 1972. WMF fulfills 100% of the abortion funding and practical support requests that we receive.
