The work of birth justice never pauses, and a day at BA NIA is a constant, dynamic blend of direct service, statewide advocacy, and deep community building. From our office hub in Auburn Gresham, every hour is dedicated to upholding our Divine Purpose—reducing infant and maternal mortality one birth at a time.

The Morning Rush: Celebrating Impact and Growing the Team
The day often begins with high-fives and immediate follow-up from the latest wins. This week, the energy is electric following our highly successful Advocacy Day in Springfield, where our team earned an "A" for our work in influencing policymakers.

Simultaneously, our internal capacity is growing. We are thrilled to welcome three new members to our team this May; Aliyah McBride as our new Program Coordinator, Mya Valentine to our Education team, and Tynetta Hill-Muhammad as our community engagement specialist.

Mid-Day in the Field: Partnerships and Professional Development

Mid-day sees our focus shift to our vital partnerships with Chicago's medical community. During Black Maternal Health Week, BA NIA presented at a Lunch & Learn session for Obstetrics and Gynecology staff at Rush University Medical Center, emphasizing our birth justice model. The audience feedback has already been positive, with appreciation for the presentation.

In the field, our birthing assistants are preparing to resume their essential services at Roseland Community Hospital, a long-standing partnership continuing throughout 2026 to provide doula and educational support in their clinic.

Meanwhile, internally, our Finance Director, Aurora Pozo, and Admin Assistant, Sabre Alexander, are managing the logistics of our core services.

The Afternoon & Evening: Training, Expansion, and Vision
As the day transitions, the spotlight turns to education and the future. BA NIA is committed to incorporating our educational Ancestral Seeds Certification Program (ASCP) Training Manual and the Inclusion, Birth Equity and Diversity (IBED) Training for medical staff.

Our mission is also driving physical expansion. Plans are underway to bring the ASCP and our support services to the West Side, with a new presence in North Lawndale. On top of this, Mekazin is actively pursuing the vision for the BA NIA Mother and Baby Wellness Spa needed to bring this crucial second site to life.

Round the Clock Birthing Assistant Support

Our birthing assistants (doulas) provide care 24/7 to accommodate birth at any time. They are frequently attending prenatal visits, providing bedside support for each family's birth of choice, and offering postpartum care.‍ ‍Additionally, our Executive Director frequently provides support in homebirth settings.

Building the Future, One Birth at a Time
From successful advocacy in Springfield to rigorous training, collaborative hospital partnerships, and ambitious expansion plans, a day in the life of BA NIA is relentless, fueled by our commitment to reproductive justice. It is through the continuous, day-by-day effort that BA NIA saves lives and decreases serious morbidity in BIPOC populations.

A Day in the Life of BA NIA: From Springfield Victories to Expanding the Village

Launching BA NIA’s Birth Equity Training for Hospitals