Join us for a pivotal virtual panel discussion during Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, where we gather influential leaders and innovators advocating for improved maternal health outcomes, particularly for women of color. Our goal is to inform, inspire, and catalyze meaningful steps toward achieving healthcare equity for all birthing people. Our distinguished panelists include: Donna Miller, Cook County Commissioner, IL, represents the 6th District of Cook County, where her leadership extends to various committees, including Contract Compliance and Workforce Development. With her extensive background as a healthcare consultant, she excels in fostering collaborations that enhance community health. Commissioner Miller's advocacy has been pivotal in policies that address maternal health disparities, like the incorporation of Cystic Fibrosis in newborn screenings and the funding of doula and social support services. Her career reflects a commitment to service, from grassroots community efforts to impactful political roles, all aimed at enriching public health and welfare. Dr. Serwaa S. Omowale, PhD, LMSW, MPH - An Assistant Professor at UTHealth Houston with a prolific background combining social work with public health. Her postdoctoral work, anchored at the California Preterm Birth Initiative, set the stage for her research into the social determinants impacting racial disparities in maternal health. Dr. Omowale's dual mastery in social work and public health from the University of Pittsburgh is the bedrock of her dedication to developing interventions tailored to the cultural realities of Black women. Her vision is a healthcare system where equity in maternal mental health and child welfare is not the exception but the norm. Kemeera Nimhat - A doula and maternal wellness beacon, embodies the role of a nurturing guide for mothers-to-be and new families. With a focus on autonomous birthing and prepared postpartum, she empowers families to confidently navigate their unique paths. Merging time-honored practices with modern, evidence-based methods, Kemeera supports each family in celebrating the transformative experience of bringing new life into the world. Deidre Shannon - Embracing motherhood while building a career in communications, Deidre's podcast "Breaking Barriers" is her platform for amplifying diverse maternal narratives, reflecting the resilience and strength at the heart of Black Maternal Health Awareness Week. MODERATOR: Dr. Melva T. Covington, MPH, MBA, Ph.D., is an expert in Maternal and Child Health and has dedicated over 20 years to improving maternal health outcomes. She has led advancements in health economics, outcomes research, and strategic initiatives targeting the social determinants of health. Dr. Covington's work includes co-founding PEP!IN, founding AGAPE Strategic Solutions in Maryland and serving as Senior Pastor at Abundant Life Bible Church. Her efforts in RWE/HEOR strategy and evidence generation reflect a deep commitment to health equity and mentorship in the health sector. This event promises to be an enlightening convergence of insights and experiences, pushing the envelope in our collective quest for a just and equitable maternal health landscape.