Who We Are
Black Birth Equity Now is powered by a dedicated team of advocates and visionaries. Each of us brings a unique blend of lived experience, professional expertise, and deep community roots. Together, we move with intention, grounded in love and guided by a shared vision of birth equity and collective care.
Chief Executive Officer
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Lakisa Muhammad is a Certified Professional Midwife, Community Organizer, and Maternal Health Consultant who has championed health equity and birth justice for over 20 years. From boardrooms to community centers, Lakisa advocates for a world free of racial disparities in healthcare. Her commitment is evident through her service on the Maternal Mortality Review Committee for the State of Arizona and the Arizona Maternal Health Policy Coalition.
In addition to this work, Lakisa enjoys organizing family-centered health events and conducting community-based participatory research. Lakisa is a devoted mother of 3 and also loves her 2 fur babies fiercely. When she is not serving the community, she may be found binge-watching reality TV or traveling the world.
Director of Strategic Initiatives
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Erica is a Health Educator and Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over 15 years of experience in public health. With a strong background in nutrition and maternal and child health, she is dedicated to ensuring families have access to the care and resources they need to thrive. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with federal programs, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to promote health equity and drive meaningful, community-centered change.
Erica has a Master of Public Health, a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Promotion, and a Certificate in Community Nutrition. She is an Arizona native and is married with two sons.
Director of Research & Evaluation
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Dr. Kierra Otis is passionate about learning and building relationships in service to Black and other marginalized communities. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science and interdisciplinary studies from the University of Missouri and a PhD in gender studies from Arizona State University. When they're not working, Kierra cuddles with their dog and watches science fiction and fantasy.