Raven Lab’s Co-Founders

Photo of Jenni Villavicencio

Jenni Villavicencio, MD, MPP

Dr. Jenni Villavicencio is a first-generation Latina-American OBGYN with a Master’s of Public Policy and deep experience in reproductive justice informed policy, strategic communications, and the provision of all-trimester abortion care. Having grown up and participated in anti-abortion activity prior to becoming an abortion provider, Jenni understands what it takes to make changes of heart and mind around this complex topic. She is fiercely dedicated to serving her community through providing comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including all-trimester abortion care.

Photo of Colleen McNicholas

Colleen McNicholas, DO, MSCI

Dr. Colleen McNicholas is the country’s leading expert on living in and providing abortion care in a hostile state - Missouri. Dr. McNicholas has been tapped for her expertise by federal and state leaders, including the White House and Congress on numerous occasions. A lesbian and a mom, whose family status is also a target for radical rightwing politics, Dr. McNicholas’ commitment to abortion care without restrictions is grounded in deep concern for who gets left out when political comprises are made.

Raven Lab’s Senior Advisor

Pamela Merritt

Pamela Merritt is executive director of Medical Students for Choice (MSFC), a global non-profit working in over 34 countries to support future abortion care providers and advocate for reproductive justice globally. Prior to joining MSFC, Pamela co-founded and served as the co-director of Reproaction, a national organization formed to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice. Pamela is chair of the Guttmacher Institute’s Board of Directors, honorary chair of Reproaction’s Advisory Council, and serves on the Our Bodies Ourselves Today and Learning and Accountability Project’s leadership councils. A longtime writer and progressive thought leader, Pamela’s personal blog was named one of the world's 50 most powerful blogs by the Guardian. Her political and social justice commentary has been published in the Guardian, Rolling Stone, and Rewire News Group.