Archives: CHEER-Champions
CHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: MOLLY SAHLIN

For Molly Sahlin, a former professional handball player, sport is much more than physical activity. Sport is a tool to bring people together. A way to inspire, motivate, and bring about change. In January, Molly brought her inspired thinking, unmatched enthusiasm, and impressive skills to our int
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: MILK RESEARCH LAB

Motivating Interdisciplinary Lactation Knowledge (MILK) Research Lab is on a mission to improve maternal health outcomes of Black women and birthing people across the life course. The research team conducts innovative human milk feeding (breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and donor human milk) and lactati
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: DR. JOHN BOWER

Today we honor the life and legacy of John D. Bower, MD, (1931-2023) with our CHAMPion of the Week award. Dr. Bower was a long-time collaborator and supporter of CHEER through the Bower Foundation. During his 60+ years in the medical field,
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: HAMIDEH HOSSEINI

Football (soccer) coach, teacher’s aide, and super-mom: Hamideh Hosseini is CHEER’s CHAMPion of the Week! Hamideh joined our international team after bringing her children and other young refugees to CHEERing’s Football Club training. Shortly after that first practice, Hamideh began assisting
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: LYDIA O’HARA

Becoming a first-time mother during the height of the pandemic opened up a creative outlet for Lydia O’Hara. Motherhood inspired the artist to start (M)other Art Collective, a group of 10 artist-mothers collaborating and supporting each other in their creative practices and parent
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: FARZANA HAKIMI

Earning a well-deserved promotion, becoming a newly elected board member, and passing important exams are some of Farzana Hakimi’s latest accomplishments. As CHEERing’s Associate Director, Farzana manages programmatic work for the international program, including CHEERing’s Sportnet Project an
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: LILLY MARCELIN

As a feminist and social activist, Lilly Marcelin, Founder and Executive Director of the Resilient Sisterhood Project (RSP) is passionate about promoting Black women’s health issues. The grassroots organization focuses on community-centered education and advocacy for Black women’s reproductive h
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: NORTH MISSISSIPPI MEDICAL CENTER-WEST POINT

After eight years of dedication and teamwork, North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC)-West Point can celebrate a big milestone. The hospital received its official Baby-Friendly designation on April 4, 2023. Having one of the lowest (if not the lowest) C-section rates in Mississippi, it’s no sur
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: MASSACHUSETTS WIC

Breastfeeding support is just one of the many free services that Massachusetts WIC provides to families who qualify. Pregnant and breastfeeding participants can expect their children under five years of age to stay healthy, thanks in part to pre- and postnatal individual breastfeeding care services
Read MoreCHEER CHAMPION OF THE WEEK: CHERYL LEBEDEVITCH

The recent passage of the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act is the result of a collective effort from many individuals and organizations, and the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee’s (USBC) Cheryl Lebedevitch is one of them. Cheryl serves as Senior Policy and Communica
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