This year’s Catalyst Speaker Series will address women’s health issues after the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and ended the right to abortion. Two years later, it’s clear that this has had a severe impact on reproductive rights in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for effective women’s health programs.
No Holding Us Back! Community Partnership for Contraception Access
Sept. 12, 10:30-noon
University Park Public Library
8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200
University Park, TX 75225
Join us for a significant discussion exploring:
- The link between contraception access and poverty
- Community partnership solutions such as Trust Her and the Women’s Wellness Mobile Clinic
- Actionable steps to expand access to contraception in Dallas
Be part of the solution. Contraception helps women achieve their goals.
GUEST SPEAKERS:
KATE MCCOLLUM– Senior Director, Child Poverty Action Lab
NIRUPAMA DESILVA, M.D., – Medical Director, Family Planning, Parkland Health
THADDEUS MANTARO, PhD – Dean, Student Health and Wellness, Dallas College
Kate McCollum, the Senior Director at the Child Poverty Action Lab, emphasized the importance of “closing the gap for the tens of thousands of uninsured and low-income women in Dallas County who are seeking contraception but facing barriers.”
LET’S EMPOWER WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FUTURES.
Meet Our Panel
KATE MCCOLLUM
Kate McCollum is a Senior Director at the Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), where she leads the Trust Her program, focusing on reproductive and maternal health to reduce child poverty in Dallas. Trust Her enhances women’s healthcare access and support throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Previously, Kate worked with the Take Control Initiative in Tulsa, reducing teen pregnancy rates by over 50%. Her background includes extensive experience in women’s health and contraceptive access, supported by research and graduate studies in reproductive justice.
McCallum holds a bachelor’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Saint Louis University and a master’s degree in International Development and Gender from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
DR. NIRUPAMA DESILVA
Dr. Nirupama DeSilva is the Medical Director of Family Planning at Parkland Health. Dr. DeSilva is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, specializing in pediatric and adolescent gynecology. She earned her M.D. from Albany Medical College, completed her residency at UT Southwestern, and undertook a fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine.
Previously, Dr. DeSilva directed Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at the University of Oklahoma. Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. DeSilva joined UT Southwestern in 2019. Her research focuses on supporting teens through adolescence and reducing risk-taking behaviors. She is the editor of pagwebed.org, serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, and is active in multiple professional organizations. Dr. DeSilva has been recognized as one of America’s Top Obstetricians and Gynecologists since 2009.
DR. THADDEUS MANTARO
Dr. Thaddeus J. Mantaro is the Inaugural Dean of Student Health and Wellness at Dallas College, where he leads efforts to enhance holistic wellness programs. With a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University, Dr. Mantaro has developed comprehensive health and counseling services that boost student engagement and retention. His notable achievements include overseeing numerous health sessions, leading outreach events, and forming key partnerships.
Previously, he was the Associate Dean of Health Services and Promotion at Dallas College and has held roles such as Senior Manager at Elite Research and Director of Wellbeing at the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Mantaro’s background in community programs, counseling, and marketing underpins his commitment to improving student wellbeing through innovative and strategic initiatives.