Jazmyn Watson (she/her) of Oregon was selected for a Founders’ grant to receive voice feminization surgery with Dr. Vartan Mardirossian. When asked why she is grateful to receive this grant, Jazmyn shared, “This surgery will enable me to authentically express myself, live a stable life, and pursue my career dreams. I am a Black Trans Woman and an award-winning dancer/choreographer, but there was a time when I almost quit and wanted to hide myself from the world because people would say hateful slurs against me, plus I was suffering from being misgendered and discriminated against when applying for jobs. I had tried vocal therapy for years and it was causing painful strain on my vocal chords. So I sought Voice Feminization Surgery to aid my transitioning, but my insurance company refused to cover it since they claimed it was ‘cosmetic.’ I am thankful to the Jim Collins Foundation for recognizing that this surgery is a medically necessary part of my journey, and for making it possible.”