Shenell Ford’s passion for lactation began when she had her first child. Motivated by a lack of systemic support for lactation, Shenell was inspired to become a Breastfeeding Peer Support Counselor with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – and fell

Rickeshia Williams, CLS, CLC, began her career as a breastfeeding peer counselor at the Calhoun County Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office in Michigan. Her experiences as a counselor and mother of color fueled her passion for breastfeeding and concern

This week CHEER honors two of our own as CHAMPions. Kathryn (Kat) Pollack-Hinds and Mariah Banks graduated with their Master of Public Health degrees in May 2023 from Boston University School of Public Health and completed their student internships with CHEER. Both were promptly hired into the CHE

CHEERing’s work wouldn’t be possible without women like Amina Koto. Amina arrived in Greece nearly four years ago after fleeing war in Syria. Now, she works as a Grow Clinic translator for our international partner in Athens. Each week, CHEERing holds Grow Cl

Sista Midwife Productions’ (SMP) mission is simple: To Make Birth Better. Specifically, the birth advocacy training and consulting agency is working to impro

Nikolas works as the chef on a yacht sailing around the Greek islands in the summers – but in the winter of 2022/2023, he volunteered to cook at the NGO Project Armonia. Specifically, he offered to cook with the refugee children who go to Project Armonia for CHEERing’s cooking classes and educat

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

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

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,

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