In this episode, host Deitre Epps of RACE for Equity speaks again with three remarkable members of the Lived Experience Advisory Group (The LEAGUE™)—Courtnie Carter, Maya Jackson, and Megan McKenzie. Together, they reflect on their five-year journey, which began with a maternal telehealth project during the pandemic and grew into impactful advocacy for maternal health equity. Listen as they share how their voices shaped decisions, broke barriers in professional spaces, and earned recognition, including awards for their groundbreaking contributions. Discover actionable insights on sustaining community voices in Maternal Health Task Forces, from meaningful compensation to long-term involvement and professional development opportunities.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

Join Dietre Epps, CEO of RACE for Equity, as she engages with Maya Jackson, Courtnie Carter, and Megan McKenzie from the Lived Experience Advisory Group, known as The LEAGUE™. In this episode, the group discusses the critical role that community voices play in shaping maternal health policies. They share their journeys, challenges, and the importance of centering lived experiences in developing effective, empathetic strategies for maternal health. Learn what it takes to truly support those with lived experience, from creating flexible, accessible environments to ensuring that contributions are valued and reflected in policy-making.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

In this episode, host Deitre Epps, CEO and Founder of RACE for Equity, is joined by maternal health advocates Megan McKenzie and Courtnie Carter to discuss the transformative role of Lived Experience Advisory Groups, known as The LEAGUE™, in advancing maternal health equity. Megan and Courtney share their personal journeys as members of The LEAGUE™, reflecting on how their lived experiences during COVID-19 and their advocacy for maternal mental health have shaped their work and their understanding of the needs within the maternal health system. They explore how states can benefit from including voices with firsthand experience on Maternal Health Task Forces and discuss practical ways to engage communities, foster trust, and create meaningful change. This episode marks the launch of a three-part series diving into the importance of lived experience in shaping maternal health policy and practice through The LEAGUE™ model, RACE for Equity’s innovative approach to community engagement and maternal health advisory.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

In this episode, Venus Standard is joined by Zay Bell, Founder and Executive Director of Zeal of Xander. Zeal of Xander is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving Black maternal health by educating the community on grieving when tragedy strikes during the maternal health journey, the importance of exercising their voices at medical institutions, and equipping people with the knowledge they need to receive the culturally competent care they seek. Venus and Zay also converse about the importance of having midwives, navigating the maternal health journey in rural settings, and what signs to look for in a grieving woman or birthing person. Visit ZealofXander.org for more information and learn more how you can support their mission.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

Kelli Sheppard speaks with Tenesha Sellers, a dedicated lactation expert and Community Transformer Coordinator at ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere). Tenesha shares her extensive experience in addressing the critical gaps in maternal health care for Black and Brown families. She discusses how ROSE's innovative programs, like the Community Transformers and Breastfriends, are not only increasing breastfeeding initiation and duration but also providing culturally relevant support that resonates within these communities. Tune in to learn how these programs are fostering representation, respect, and connection, empowering families and transforming maternal health outcomes nationwide.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

Emily Price, CEO of Healthy Birth Day, Inc., leads the national expansion of the evidence-based Count the Kicks public health campaign, which educates and empowers expectant parents to monitor their baby's movements during the third trimester. This campaign has already made a significant impact, reducing stillbirth rates in Iowa by nearly 32% in its first decade, with a 39% decrease among Black birthing people in the first five years. Emily shares her personal connection to Count the Kicks, explains the importance of tracking fetal movements, and discusses how the campaign has evolved to save both babies and birthing peoples' lives. Learn how this simple practice can be a critical early warning sign for complications and how the free Count the Kicks app can help expectant parents everywhere.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

In this episode, Kelli's joined by Victoria Pemberton, RNC, MS, CCRC, project scientist at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). They explore the critical link between heart health and maternal health, discussing high-risk populations, the impact of high blood pressure and stress, and steps for maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy. Tune in to learn about the latest research, including the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study, and valuable resources to support maternal heart health.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

Join Dr. Ramona Olvera from Ohio State University and Dr. Holly Horan from the University of Alabama at Birmingham as they dive into community-engaged research, focusing on the Latinx population. Discover the transformative power of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and learn from experts Vanessa Caldari, a midwife and founder of the Perinatal Holistic Health Center in Puerto Rico, Hannah Mesa, a project manager at the University of Michigan, and McClain Sampson, an associate professor at the University of Houston. This episode explores the importance of building trust, centering community voices, and addressing health disparities to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.