I’m thrilled to announce the next event of Cheers to Change: A Happy Hour with Arkansas Times . This is a lively ongoing series celebrating young activists, influencers, and leaders who are shaking things up in our state.

On September 26 , I will be leading a discussion focused on the future of reproductive rights in Arkansas, honing in on the substantial progress made by the Arkansas Abortion Amendment . I’ll be joined by Amanda Orcutt, Lauren Cowles, and Gennie Diaz, three inspiring women who are at the forefront of the movement for reproductive justice in Arkansas.

Lauren Cowles leads several non-profit organizations focused on growing political and civic infrastructure in the state. As the Executive Director of Arkansans for Limited Government, she works in support of the Arkansas Abortion Amendment. Lauren spent 14 years in Washington, DC, working as a Director at Van Scoyoc Associates and in the US Senate as Appropriations Director for Senator Mark Pryor. She now calls Little Rock home and continues to fight for progressive causes in Arkansas.

Gennie Diaz is the founder and executive director of For AR People, a grassroots advocacy nonprofit that seeks to connect people with policy. Her work centers on creating a more just, forward-thinking Arkansas. Diaz has deep ties to the state and resides in Fayetteville with her two sons.

Amanda Orcutt is an attorney and partner at Shults Law Firm, where she focuses her practice on education and employment law, non-profit compliance, and civil rights. Amanda helped lead the legal team representing Arkansans for Limited Government in their lawsuit against the Secretary of State challenging his rejection of the Arkansas Abortion Amendment. A lifelong advocate for reproductive rights, Amanda is currently serving her second two-year term on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood Great Plains, where she now serves as its Vice Chair. Amanda will offer insight on the abortion amendment lawsuit, the court's decision, and the road ahead.

You will get an exclusive first-hand look at the current state of reproductive rights in Arkansas and the fight for the Arkansas Abortion Amendment. There will be thoughtful discussion, hard truths, fresh perspectives, and of course, drinks and laughs. Tickets to this event are $25 , and 100% of funds raised will go to the Arkansas Times Investigative Journalism Project. Wine, beer, and small bites will be available for purchase at the venue’s bar.

When: September 26, 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: Copper Grill

As the Director of Digital Marketing for Arkansas Times, I have the opportunity to help fuel our mission through philanthropy and deliver our team’s fearless journalistic efforts in digitally accessible ways. This job is the greatest honor of my life. I get to meet so many influencers of our community through events and partnerships, and, more importantly, I get to connect with our readers every day. My spare time is dedicated to my duties as National Committeewoman and the Membership Director of the Young Democrats of Arkansas.

To my core, I believe in our state. And I believe you can be the change you want to see. I do hope you’ll join us as we Cheers to Change .

Madeline Chosich
Arkansas Times