our scope and mission
The StandUpGirl.com Foundation is a leading 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to providing hope, courage, and life-affirming support to young women facing unplanned pregnancies. Focused on empowering individuals between ages 12 and 24—many of whom are still forming their views on abortion—StandUpGirl.com delivers compassionate outreach across the globe.
Since its founding in 2001, StandUpGirl.com has become one of the world’s most visited pro-life websites, with over 68 million visitors and a monthly reach surpassing 2 million through its web and social media platforms. Each day, a team of dedicated volunteers—the StandUpGirls—moderate online communities and offer confidential, real-time support via web chats, email, text, and direct connections. Multilingual trained consultants and nurses answer calls 24/7. Women connect not only for accurate information and resources but also for a sense of community and empowerment, making decisions for life with knowledge and confidence.
The StandUpGirl.com Foundation originated from the innovative vision of Paul Harmon, who, in 1999, recognized the importance of meeting Generation Y where they were: online. With support from the Oregon Right to Life Education Foundation, Harmon’s idea blossomed into a vibrant outreach that soon became its own standalone 501.(c)3 organization.
Distinct from other pro-life organizations, StandUpGirl.com reaches across ideological divides, welcoming and engaging young women who may not initially identify as prolife. They offer 24/7 support, opportunities to connect with local pregnancy help centers, and free virtual training courses from prenatal care through child-rearing. All of these forms of communication are helping us to fulfill our mission, which is to save the lives of future generations and change hearts toward abortion as a viable option.
The impact of StandUpGirl.com is both deep and measurable: a 2020 George Fox University study found that for every $20 spent since 2012, a life has been saved in the United States. The foundation has facilitated thousands of life-affirming connections, with a significant proportion of women moving on to seek care at local pregnancy centers.
Featured by numerous respected media outlets and advocacy groups—including KLove, Samaritan Ministries, Mater Dei Radio, National Right to Life, and American Center for Law and Justice—StandUpGirl.com Foundation remains firmly committed to saving lives, supporting women in crisis, and changing hearts for generations to come.
The Inception
In 1999, Paul Harmon, an engineer from Oregon, approached the Board of Oregon Right to Life and proposed a new method of outreach that was needed to capture the hearts and minds of Generation Y, the first generation to spend more time on the internet than watching TV. He proposed to reach into the minds of abortion-minded young women, we needed to reach them through the media they were using. This began the wheels turning as the site was developed and a marketing strategy was put into place. The original foundation was developed as a subsidiary of the ORTL Education Foundation and in 2001 became its own 501(c)(3) standalone organization.
Our Staff
Small staff with big hearts for spreading HOPE around the world!
Dawn Marie Pérez, LAS
Executive Director
Dawn Marie brings over 15 years of dedicated leadership to the organization since 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Certified as a Life Affirming Specialist, Google AdWords, Life PositiveAI, K-12 Christian teaching, and course development. Dawn Marie is also a writer for Revive Ministries and formerly directed educational programming for American Christian Tours.
Guided by her faith, Dawn Marie specializes in sharing a Pro-Love and Pro-Life philosophy with young mothers in crisis and communicating God’s plan and purpose for their lives. All in God’s design, her diverse background in education and computer technology was the perfect fit for the needs of this technology-based Foundation. Her passion for education, counseling, and course development is rooted in both her academic background and her commitment to uplifting and encouraging the next generation.
Dawn Marie resides in rural western Oregon with her husband Mark, of 16 years, their two children, chickens, puppy and any other creature her kids seem to bring home. She enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family, shabby chic crafting, snowboarding/skiing, and spontaneous travel adventures that involve “jumping in the truck and driving until we find a nice place to stop.” At home, she’s often found with a cup of tea, a Christian adventure book or movie by the fireplace. Staying young at heart is her goal, and her life verse is:
1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV):
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Diana Nashif
Digital/Graphic Specialist
Diana, has 25+ years of web, graphic and logo design experience. Number one is providing a high level of customer service from my background of partnering in a customer service consulting company. Always giving my client beyond expectations.
My computer skills started young when my grandfather first introduced me to the tech world of his Apple computer. I was mesmerized by what this little machine could do. Flash forward to the internet which has brought forth a path for artists to grow beyond what the world could offer when I was a child.
Starting out as a visual merchandiser for Macys in Seattle Washington, I got to play with really big dolls (mannequins) and hone my artist skills in prop design and graphic design. This included special event design and story boards, setups with huge murals and props for back drops, table and buffet settings. Some awesome clients were private events for Microsoft and other Seattle based companies.
Forward to a StandUpGirl introduction from Tim Nashif in 2012, I never looked back……
While at a StandUpGirl retreat, we were asked what brings you to StandUpGirl? That was an hard question for me because my past experiences weighed heavy on my heart. So much that I felt I was damaged and unworthy of the love of God. But when I told my story, I remember Dawn Marie saying quietly, “that is why she is here.” At that moment, the dark cloud lifted and I knew I was forever loved! I credit my husband who with his help lead me to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior and Dawn Marie for believing in me! StandUpGirl doesn’t just save babies, StandUpGirl saves anyone who needs Hope and Courage.
Diana resides in Fountain Hills, Arizona with her husband Doug, of 25 years and one grown son newly married in Texas. She enjoys taking care of a beloved cat Buddy Boy and being there for her customers. At home we enjoy fixing up our home, and admiring the beauty of the sunrises and sunsets everyday.
Mary Kate Harmon
Data Specialist
Mary Kathleen Harmon is the Ad Campaign Manager of StandupGirl and covers one of our social media engagements.
She’s grown up in the pro-life fight and is happy to continue helping from the background. She currently lives in Oregon and is also a part-time church secretary.
Where We Have Been Featured
Board Members
Chairman of the Board
Michael White
Secretary
Sarah Nashif-Tan
Members
Paul Harman
Michael Lewton
Dawn Marie Perez
Lois Anderson
Shan Hill
Members at large
Robert Bobosky
Richard Arell
Diana Nashif
Stewarship and Accountability
At StandUpGirl.com Foundation, we are committed to honesty, integrity, and transparency in every aspect of our ministry. We believe our ethical practices reflect our deep trust in God. It’s a privilege to steward the donations, relationships, and resources. We keep our supporters connected with regular updates, communicating how their generosity empowers us to carry out this mission.