Power to Decide, one of the five partner organizations involved in Launch, envisions a world where everyone—no matter who they are or where they live—has control over their bodies and can decide if, when, and under what circumstances to get pregnant and have a child. They work to provide trusted information, expand access to quality services, and catalyze culture change.
Launch spoke with Sarah, Power to Decide’s Senior Director, Innovation, Training, and TA, about Power to Decide’s role in Launch, her perspective on innovation, and what she most enjoys about participating in Launch.
- Can you describe Power to Decide’s role in the Launch Accelerator?
Power to Decide is thrilled to be a partner on the Launch Accelerator led by RTI International, along with Healthy Teen Network, SisterLove, and Youth Collaboratory. We lend our expertise in human-centered design and innovation to work across the accelerator. This includes participating in the application review process, coaching innovation teams, supporting training design and development, and providing feedback and recommendations to the Launch team regarding the structure and implementation of the accelerator.
- What excites you most about being involved in Launch?
One of the most exciting aspects of being involved in Launch is the opportunity to collaborate with passionate innovators who are tackling critical challenges in sexual and reproductive health, as well as an expert team behind the scenes. It’s inspiring to see such a wide range of ideas and solutions that have the potential to transform lives and break down barriers in the field of sexual and reproductive health. I’m especially energized by the chance to support these teams and help bring their visions to life in a way that can create lasting, systemic change.
- What does innovation mean to you?
To me, innovation means reimagining possibilities and challenging the status quo to create meaningful solutions for real-world challenges. It’s about combining creativity, empathy, and practicality to address unmet needs and gaps in sexual and reproductive health. Innovation isn’t just about developing new technologies or products—it’s about finding new ways to think, collaborate, and implement ideas that leave a lasting impact. At its core, innovation is the bridge between understanding a problem deeply and creating solutions that truly make a difference.
- Which area of adolescent sexual health outcomes do you feel needs innovation most acutely?
One area of adolescent sexual health outcomes that continues to need innovation is access to comprehensive, culturally responsive information—particularly for groups that continue to be left behind or left out. Many adolescents still lack access to accurate and engaging information about their bodies, relationships, and health.
Innovating in this space doesn’t only mean developing more evidence-based programs. It also means rethinking where and how youth access information, and how we can leverage those channels to meet the unique needs of these groups. This could involve using technology to make sexual health information more accessible and interactive or developing community-driven solutions. By rethinking how we inform and empower adolescents—especially those who face barriers—we can reduce stigma, promote understanding, and ensure that all young people have the tools they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive well-being.
- What is one thing that innovators at the accelerator stage need to know?
One thing innovators at the accelerator stage need to know is that clarity of purpose is just as important as the innovation itself. It’s essential to have a deep understanding of the problem you’re addressing and the specific needs of the communities you aim to serve. Innovators should be driven by working with the community, not for them. This clarity not only strengthens your solution but also ensures that your work remains aligned with the impact you’re striving to achieve.
At this stage, it’s also crucial for innovators to stay open to feedback and be willing to pivot as you learn—whether that’s from mentors, peers, or the people directly impacted by your work. The accelerator journey is an opportunity to refine your vision, build resilience, and create a foundation for sustainable growth. Balancing passion with a willingness to iterate will set you up for long-term success.