The Way We Work

We believe those most impacted by health inequities must lead the solutions. Because of this, we hold ourselves accountable first and foremost to Black mothers and birthing people navigating systems that have historically failed them. Their voices guide every stage of our work—from shaping program design through listening sessions and surveys, to informing advocacy priorities through storytelling, focus groups, and community advisory councils. We don’t just serve Black mothers and birthing people—we work and stand in solidarity with them.

Core Pillars & Goals

The four pillars and goals outlined below reflect our commitment to transforming the Black birthing experience. Together, they guide our strategies, shape our programs, and ground us in community-led solutions.

  • Goal - Ensure access to culturally grounded maternal health care for Black families, enabling them to confidently navigate their perinatal journey.

  • Goal - Equip Black perinatal health professionals with culturally relevant training and business support to enhance the quality of care they provide to families and to build thriving, sustainable practices.

  • Goal - Advance and support policies that actively address Black maternal health inequities and lead to meaningful improvements in outcomes for Black mothers.

  • Goal - Elevate Black voices through community-based participatory research, ensuring that data reflects lived realities and drives systems-level change in maternal health.

Current Projects & Initiatives

  • In collaboration with 4th Trimester Arizona, Arizona State University Maternal and Child Health Translation Research Team’s Policy Core, and the Indigenous Lactation Counselor Program, we founded the Maternal Health Policy Coalition to expand AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) policies to provide coverage for breastfeeding support and lactation consultations for low-income families. In addition, we aim to increase access to board-certified lactation consultants in Indigenous and Black communities.

  • We participate on Community Advisory Board for Supporting the Fathers in Family: A Community Participatory Study Protocol to Improve Fatherhood Support for Black Fathers in Arizona Pre/Postnatal Care Settings. The aims of the study are to identify barriers to Black fatherhood support in Arizona pre-/postnatal care settings; highlight resources impacting father engagement through the lens of fathers, co-parents, and providers; and curate culturally responsive recommendations for creating inclusive and equitable support for Arizona Black fathers.

  • Listen to the Villages is a 10-year IMPROVE-CIP research project led by Arizona State University. The project works with doulas and community stakeholders to promote maternal-infant health equity in Indigenous, Black, and Latinx communities in Arizona. Black Birth Equity Now plays a key role in leading the steering committee and guiding the work specifically for the Black village, ensuring that the needs and voices of the community are prioritized and effectively addressed in all aspects of the project initiatives.

  • We offer continuing education for perinatal health professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in providing quality, culturally responsive care. Courses cover a range of topics, including chiropractic care, cardiovascular health, lactation, health equity and more.