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

Shafia Monroe began championing reproductive justice as a young teen in Boston, MA, after learning about the high infant mortality rate in her community. She responded by founding the non-profit International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC) to create an urban midwife movement for better b

CHEER is celebrating a Mississippi CHAMPS hospital this week: Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center was recently re-designated as Baby-Friendly! Located in Meridian, MS, Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest level of healthcare for their patients. Bapti