This message was written by Lenore Davis, The Brigid Alliance Board Chair

When we launched The Brigid Alliance in 2018, the co-founders had a vision for an organization that would provide holistic, practical, and compassionate support for people traveling for abortion care. When we met Odile Schalit, we knew we found the person who could bring that vision to life. Today is Odile’s last day with Brigid and I would like to take a moment to reflect on the legacy she has built and to celebrate her incredible accomplishments as our founding executive director. 

Over the past nearly five years, our organization has grown from a tiny group of just 2 staff to a thriving organization of 15 professionals who support nearly 150 people traveling for abortion care each month. In Odile’s time at Brigid, she has guided us in growing our team of client coordinators and referral network, in maintaining critical relationships with clinics, funds and advocates across the country, and in establishing best practices for supporting people forced to travel long distances for abortion care. 
Since day one, Odile has inspired passion for our work among our team and partners. And she did this all while steadily leading us through an incredibly volatile political landscape that has only proven more challenging since the Dobbs decision. Our staff members have this to say about Odile:

“Thank you Odile for leading Brigid with so much love, care, and curiosity. Thank you for never forgetting about the human experiences of those we serve and for always being a port in any storm. Thank you for the happy tears, joy, humor, and humility you brought to this organization and our lives. You will be truly missed, but know that you have a group of cheerleaders wherever you go.”

Erika

“Odile’s vision and leadership has helped transform the way that abortion advocates understand the barriers that people face when accessing care, and what it takes to overcome them. It’s been an honor to work with her.”

Sarah

“Odile has been and continues to be pivotal in abortion access across the country for the most vulnerable and ignored. Her creativity and ability to nurture authentic relationships with partner organizations transformed the standards for practical support for abortion seekers throughout the country.”

Mol

“Odile embodies curiosity and humility in her work. She is a mentor and a collaborator by nature. She will be so missed – but I know she won’t be too far away.”

Ariel

“Odile’s energy and passion for reproductive justice is unmatched. She naturally inspires those around her with her kindness, empathy, and devotion to this work.”

Veronica

“Working with Odile has been such a pleasure. I’ve truly admired her person-centered, support-focused leadership style. She’ll be greatly missed!”

Mariely

It’s safe to say that Brigid would not be the organization it is today without Odile. We are incredibly lucky to have had such a visionary, committed, and passionate leader guiding our work for our first five years and advising on the transition as Serra Sippel has stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director. She has left Brigid in a position to continue thriving as we carry out our mission to make abortion borderless, burden-free, and accessible to all.

Please join me in thanking Odile and wishing her all the best on her next adventure. I know she’ll continue to do great things in the abortion rights movement and to inspire those around her. 

Thank you, Odile!