Pennie Bumrungsiri, MSc, LM, CPM, Clinical Services Director at Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaii, began her midwifery journey in South Africa, where she supported rural health efforts among intergenerational communities. There, she came to

Congratulations to Methodist Olive Branch, CHEER’s CHAMPion of the Week! After five years of dedication and quality improvement work, the hospital was re-designated as Baby-Friendly. Located in Olive Branch, Mississippi, Methodist Olive Branch takes pride in offering quality, patient-centered c

Ellison “El” Iseri, MBA, is advancing maternal and newborn health across the Hawaiian Islands through his leadership in quality improvement. As a Quality Improvement Engineer at Queen’s Health System, El supports the Women’s Health & Pediatric Clinical Program, spanning inpatient and amb

This week’s CHAMPion is an aspiring public health leader with a multidimensional perspective on maternal-child health equity. Alexandra Tsangarakis is pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree at Boston University, with a concentration in Healthcare Management and dual certificates in Matern

Melissa Bartick, MD, MS, MPH, FABM, is a leader in maternal and child health, recognized nationally and internationally for her work as a physician, researcher, advocate, and writer. Dr. Bartick is a trusted expert in breastfeeding policy and clinical care, with a focus on hospital practices, public

Christyn “Chrissy” Rodeheaver, CBS, BFPC, Doula, is breaking new ground as a breastfeeding advocate and connector across West Virginia. As a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor and the Hospital Liaison to WVU Children’s Hospital for the WV Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, an

Tawanda Logan-Hurt, BSW, IBCLC, Doula, is dedicated to improving breastfeeding support and equity across Mississippi. As the newly appointed Mississippi WIC State Breastfeeding Coordinator, she is vital in shaping policies and programs that support breastfeeding families statewide. Before stepping i

Naomi Bar-Yam, ACSW, PhD, has worked in maternal and child health for over 35 years as an educator, researcher, advocate, and writer. Our newest CHAMPion of the Week is a recognized expert on social and institutional policies that support breastfeeding and is thoroughly versed in the technical, proc

Staysha Quentrill, CPM, is a dedicated midwife and passionate advocate for family-centered birth care. With over a decade of experience in birth work, Staysha has supported families in various capacities, including as a doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, midwifery assistant, and childbirth educat

Mona Hanna, MD, MPH, is a pediatrician, scientist, activist, and author dedicated to advancing maternal and child health. Recognized as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World and one of USA Today’s Women of the Century, she has played a pivotal role in