Changing the Maternal Health Narrative 

Wivine’ professional background is in medical and public health research, health programs management, community engagement, and justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Her passions and experiences center around addressing health and social disparities with Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC) communities. She has authored publications centering health equity in medical education and currently spends most of her efforts building relationships with communities to restructure old systems in public health and public safety and help improve outcomes. In her current role with Colorado Access, Wivine is the Population Health Program Manager and works with organizational pattern, Mama Bird Doula Services, to support the management of health and birthing outcomes in BIPOC communities and the doula workforce in Colorado. 

My name is Imani Williams and I am a birth and postpartum doula, as well as an Evidence Based Birth instructor. My job is to offer emotional, physical, and educational support to my clients, to best prepare them for the journey of childbirth. With a passion for helping others, I have spent the last three years working to better maternal health outcomes, especially for marginalized communities, through advocacy and education

Wonder MooreGreetings! I am Wonder Moore, a Behavioral Health Program Manager currently leading impactful initiatives at Colorado Access. With a commitment to advancing strategic behavioral health goals, my role involves managing projects that shape the company's vision for comprehensive mental health and well-being. This role allows me to apply my knowledge and skills to foster positive change and enhance the overall mental health landscape within the organization. I earned my Bachelor's in Social Work from the University of West Florida, laying the foundation for my journey in the field of social work. Committed to professional growth, I pursued and obtained my Master's in Social Work from Newman University. My professional journey has been diverse, encompassing roles in program development, implementation, child protective services, and resident services. This multifaceted experience has equipped me with a holistic understanding of social work, allowing me to contribute effectively to various facets of community and individual well-being. Beyond my professional endeavors, I proudly serve as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. My sorority provides me with a platform to embody the sorority's principles and contribute meaningfully to the community. Through "Service to All Mankind," I actively engage in initiatives that uplift and empower the community.

Shawnette Gillespie is a native to Denver, CO. She has a passion to serve her community and was pushed into the heath care system as a teen mom, because her son was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. This fueled a burning desire to learn everything about sickle cell disease so that she could care for her son. It also forced her to learn about the healthcare system, barriers, equity, and systematic oppression.

Shawnette, soon after that would become a certified patient navigator with a focus in the “sickle cell community.” This work would detail chronic pain management, social determinants of health, advocating, and transition of care from adolescents to adult health care.

Her current role is at Colorado Access, where she is currently the Cultural Community Navigator for the Black/African American Community. Her role consists of community outreach, supporting Black/ African Community organizations, advocating, black maternal health, and youth engagement.

Shawnette has three beautiful children and has a deep love for her family and friends, loves to travel and cook. She also loves to be a student of life. Things that get her charged are grassroots efforts focused on community, and conversations on how we can make our communities better.