A New Way Forward: Transforming Adolescent Sexual Health
The field of adolescent sexual health is at a pivotal moment in history. Young people are dealing with the fallout of a global pandemic, changing political landscapes and evolving access (or lack of access) to reproductive and sexual health care. The current climate provides opportunities to advocate for change, while also acknowledging the challenges adolescents face. We know that young people’s multifaceted identities shape how they experience health. It’s imperative that we examine our field through an intersectional lens in order to empower adolescents to navigate their sexual health.
At the 2023 Summer Institute in Adolescent Health, we invite you to challenge what you know and disrupt the status quo. Examine current and historical trends in adolescent sexual health and explore ever-changing laws and policies regarding access to abortion and contraception. Apply an intersectionality framework to sexual health education, health disparities research, and the impact of mainstream pornography. Hear directly from young people who are organizing for reproductive justice and building youth power in Minnesota. Connect with other caring adults who are passionate about supporting adolescents in this critical time.Â
Guest Speakers:Jill Farris, MPH (she/her), is the Director of Adolescent Sexual Health Training and Education at the Healthy Youth Development - Prevention Research Center. She is a certified evidence-based intervention trainer and leads the creation and dissemination of the annual Adolescent Sexual Health Report.

J'Mag Karbeah, PhD, MPH (she/her) is a health services researcher whose research aims to interrogate and dismantle the impact of structural racism by focusing on maternal and child health issues. Her scholarship aims to build an empirical body of research that identifies how structural racism impacts maternal, child, infant, and child health outcomes.

Nicole Chaisson, MD, MPH, is an assistant professor in the UMN Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and a faculty member at MHealth Smiley's Clinic. Chaisson is an advocate for healthcare for all, including comprehensive reproductive healthcare, through a justice lens - and embraces the concept of whole person care across the lifespan.
De'Shay Thomas, PhD, MSW, is a critical health equity scholar-practitioner who is a practicing social worker in the Comprehensive Gender Care program at UMN Fairview and is a researcher in the UMN. Medical School. Thomas focuses on health and well-being, with a particular focus on mental and emotional health of LGBTQIA+ people of color.
Magdalena March, BS, is a first year UMN PhD student in the Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavioral Genetics graduate program. March is passionate about increasing human flourishing and believes that sexual health is imperative for positive, healthy growth and development.

Kristen Mark, PhD, MPH, is the Joycelyn Elders Endowed Chair in Sexual Health Education, Professor, and Director of Education at the Eli Coleman Institute for Sexual and Gender Health in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at University of Minnesota Medical School.
Rose Marie Leslie, MD, is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine. Leslie is a trained medical journalist and creates informative and engaging health education videos on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Daily Themes and Schedule
Theme:
Ecological & Equity Perspectives on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
Objectives:
- Assess recent patterns and trends in adolescent sexual health
- Examine an intersectionality framework and how it applies to your work with adolescents
- Explore the ever-changing landscape of abortion and contraceptive access
Topics & Speakers:
- Adolescent Sexual Health Patterns & Trends - Jill Farris
- Intersectionality Framework - J'Mag Karbeah
- Intersectionality and Adolescent Sexual Health - Justine Ang Fonte
- Abortion and Contraceptive Access in Minnesota - Nicole Chaisson
Theme:
Environments and Systems That Shape Youth
Objectives:
- Explore the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors that influence young people.
- Examine the impact of mainstream pornography and sexuality focused media on youth
- Discover how intersecting social identities may give rise to unique challenges and strengths that promote healthy youth development
Topics & Speakers:
- Impact of Mainstream Pornography on Youth - Justine Ang Fonte
- Protection at the Intersection for Queer Teens of Color (PIQ-TOC) - De'Shay Thomas
- Netflix's Sex Education: Research Study - Magdalena March & Kristen Mark
Theme:
Advocacy, Action, and Social ChangeÂ
Objectives:
- Envision a world where young people of all races, genders, ability levels, orientations, and sizes have agency and autonomy over their bodies
- Explore youth-led initiatives to promote sexual health
- Learn how to take action in your community to promote sexual health for all young peopleÂ
Topics & Speakers:
- Health at Every Size - Ani Janzen
- Advocacy for Adolescent Sexual Health
- Advocacy and Access - A Youth Panel