2025 Birth Justice Summit

Improving Perinatal Outcomes Through Education, Access, and Autonomy Across the Life Course

October 9, 2025

Registration is full!

Summit goals & breakout sessions

Speaker bios

SUMMIT BREAKOUT SESSIONS & SPEAKERS

SESSION I

What if We Just Gave People Money and Resources?

Description: This session asks a radical question with practical roots: What if we just gave people what they need? We'll explore how financial assistance, access to concrete goods, and practical support to navigate and access care can transform maternal and reproductive health outcomes. Participants will hear from local organizations actively working to provide these essential supports in our community.

Speakers:

Erin Blair Head - Director of Nurse Advocacy and Resources, Nurse Family Partnership
Nia Coaxum, MPH - Philly Joy Bank Program Manager, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health
Ellen Davis, MSW - Philly Families CAN Manager, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health, Division of Reproductive, Adolescent, and Child Health
Marah Lange, MSW - Director of Client Services, Abortion Liberation Fund of PA
Rachel Mark - Senior Attorney, F.A.I.R Project/HELP: MLP

Prioritizing Health Post-Pregnancy

Too often, care and attention drop off after birth, yet the postpartum period is critical for long-term health. This session focuses on practical tools and strategies to support people after pregnancy, including managing chronic conditions like hypertension, addressing perinatal mental health, and ensuring a smooth transition from prenatal to postpartum care. We'll explore how holistic, continuous support can improve outcomes for birthing people well beyond delivery.

Speakers:

MaryNissi Lemon, Community Doula Support Program Manager, Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health
Jennifer Lewey, MD, MPH - Director, Women's Cardiovascular Health Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Saleemah McNeil - Executive Director, Oshun Family Center

Sexual and Reproductive Health Education & Policy Advocacy for Youth

This youth panel explores how comprehensive, empowering sexual and reproductive health education and advocacy can transform access to care for young people, especially those in marginalized communities. Panelists will speak to their experiences of real barriers youth face, from navigating healthy relationships to overcoming systemic challenges like period poverty and limited access to reproductive health and gender-affirming care. Attendees will hear directly from youth advocates pushing for equitable, inclusive, and youth-centered reproductive health solutions.

Speakers:

Moderator: James Andrews - Youth Care Team Program Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Ava Campbell - Youth Co-Chair, Revolution 4 Youth Coalition
Aniya Jackson - Youth Member, The School District of Philadelphia ELECT
Angie Orozco-Rasique - Youth Member, Students Against Period Poverty (SAPP)
Mia Santiago - Youth Member, Central High School

SESSION II

Early Pregnancy Care

Timely care in early pregnancy is critical. Too often, systemic barriers delay or prevent access. This session will explore the challenges impacting access to early pregnancy care, including abortion access, early intervention, and support for informed options. Participants will hear from three of the City's targeted early pregnancy care programs about how their practices are improving outcomes and expanding access to care.

Speakers:

Alice Abernathy, MD - Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania
Kara Pravdo, CRNP - Nurse Practitioner, 3rd Floor Paley OBGYN
Kavita Vinekar, MD, MPH - Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Thomas Jefferson University

Immigrant and Refugee Populations’ Access to Reproductive Health

Immigrant and refugee populations face unique and often overlooked barriers to reproductive health care including lack of insurance, language access issues, and limited culturally competent services. This session will explore how these systemic challenges impact care, and how trust-building, inclusive education, and advocacy can advance reproductive justice in these communities.

Speakers:

Affissath Anjorin, MD - Health Programs Manager, AFAHO
Faith Pullinger, MD – Clinical Director of Ob/Gyn at Esperanza Health Center, Esperanza Health Center
Cira Toure - Health Navigator/Case Manager, African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)
Rebekah Weber, CNM – Esperanza Health Center

Addressing the Leading Causes of Maternal Mortality: What Are We Doing In Philadelphia?

This session will explore the city’s multi-faceted efforts to address the leading drivers of maternal deaths, including perinatal substance use disorder, intimate partner violence, mental health, and cardiovascular disease. Presenters will highlight current data, share innovative community- and system-level interventions, and discuss how health systems, public agencies, and community organizations are working together to prevent maternal mortality.

Speakers

Nia Bhadra-Heintz, MD, MS - Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Penn Medicine, Addiction Medicine Consult Faculty, Co-Director Perinatal Resources for Opioid Use Disorders (PROUD), Penn Medicine
Yolanda Boykins, BA, CLC - Full Spectrum Doula & Perinatal Coordinator, Oshun Family Center
Jabina Coleman, LCSW, IBCLC - Director of Health Equity Training & Quality Improvement, Temple University
Nicole Ellis Wilson - Project Manager, CRS, University of Pennsylvania & CHOP
Melissa Patti, LCSW - Director of Maternal and Infant Health, March of Dimes
Elizabeth Pride, MPH - Senior Project Manager, Office of Domestic Violence Strategies

SUMMIT GOALS

Advocate for policy changes that improve reproductive health outcomes;
Support clinical practices that reduce maternal mortality and morbidity;
Address social determinants of health that impact pregnancy outcomes;
Elevate community-based storytelling to raise awareness and inspire change.

Monica Simpson, Executive Director, SisterSong

Keynote Speaker

Monica Raye Simpson is the Executive Director of SisterSong, the southern-based national Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective. Monica is a proud, Black Queer Feminist and graduate of Johnson C Smith University, a historically black university (HBCU) based in Charlotte, NC. For over 20 years Monica has been organizing extensively for LGBTQ liberation, civil and human rights, and sexual and reproductive justice from a Southern to global scale. As a creative and cultural strategist, Monica lives by the charge set by Nina Simone that says, “It's an artist's duty to reflect the times” and is deeply committed to using the power of cultural organizing to educate and Ingnite the masses and dismantle systems of oppression. She is certified in “Power, Innovation & Leadership. from the Harvard Kennedy School and she is a published writer. Monica has also received numerous awards and acknowledgements for her innovative leadership including being named a New Civil Rights Leader by Essence Magazine, a visionary leader by the Ms. Foundation, one of Fast Company's awardees on their Queer 50 list, and as one of TIME 100’s most influential people of 2023.

Alice Abernathy, MD, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania

Alice Abernathy is a practicing Ob/GYN and NIH-funded health services researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. Her work focuses on the effects of restrictive reproductive health policies and early pregnancy interventions to mitigate their impact. She founded and leads the Maternal and Reproductive Health Working Group at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics. Dr. Abernathy’s research amplifies patient experiences, translates systemic barriers into policy-relevant findings, and communicates directly with policymakers. Her work challenges state-by-state limitations by spotlighting inequities faced by marginalized communities, advancing a comprehensive national conversation on reproductive health and justice.

Aletha Akers, MD, MPH, FACOG, Independent Consultant

Aletha Akers, MD, MPH, FACOG (she/her) is a nationally recognized OB/GYN and expert in pediatric and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH). She brings over two decades of experience advancing SRH equity through clinical leadership, research, policy, and education. Dr. Akers has served as Medical Director of a Title X clinic, directed adolescent family planning programs, and was Vice President for Research at the Guttmacher Institute. She has contributed to major national initiatives expanding SRH access and training hundreds of clinicians. She now leads a consulting practice focused on strategic planning, research, and program development for nonprofits and public health institutions.

James Andrews, Youth Care Team Program Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

James Andrews (he/him) is the Youth Care Team Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, overseeing direct service, capacity building, advocacy, and coalition work centered on adolescent health and wellness. With nearly two decades of experience, he specializes in sexual, reproductive, and mental health support for youth across Philadelphia. James is committed to youth-led, justice-driven work that prioritizes young people’s lived experiences, meeting them where they are emotionally, culturally, and developmentally. His leadership fosters collaboration among community organizations, schools, and public systems, with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth and pregnant and parenting teens. At the Birth Justice Philly Summit, James will facilitate a youth-led panel amplifying the voices and demands of young leaders shaping the future of reproductive justice.

Affissath Anjorin, MD, Health Programs Manager, AFAHO

Affissath Anjorin joined AFAHO in 2017, bringing over 10 years of health experience. Originally from Benin Republic, she earned her M.D. from the University of Abomey-Calavi in 2004, practicing as a Primary Care Physician before relocating to Djibouti, where she worked in emergency and cardiology care. In 2013, she received specialized training in pathology in Tunisia and later managed Djibouti’s Balbala Hospital Pathology Department, while teaching medical students. In the U.S., she served as a Clinical Expertise Researcher at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, developing staff training and providing clinical insights. At AFAHO, she has improved community health screenings, managed staff, and collaborated with diverse partners. She is fluent in French, English, and Yoruba.

Nia Bhadra-Heintz, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Addiction Medicine Consult Faculty, Co-Director Perinatal Resources for Opioid Use Disorders (PROUD), Penn Medicine

Nia Bhadra-Heintz, MD, MS is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with a background in cross-cultural psychology. She completed medical school at the Boston University School of Medicine, her OB/GYN residency at the University of Pennsylvania, and a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at The Ohio State University. Dr. Bhadra-Heintz serves as an Assistant Professor in the OB/GYN Academic Specialist division and co-director of the Perinatal Resources for Opioid Use Disorders (PROUD) program at Penn Family Care. Her research focuses on substance use disorder treatment in peripartum women, stigma in addiction medicine, intimate partner violence, and disparities in women’s health.

Erin Blair, Director of Nurse Advocacy and Resources, National Nurse-Led Care Consortium

Erin Blair began with the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC) in 2008 as a Nurse-Home Visitor with the Philadelphia Nurse-Family Partnership. She later became Nurse-Liaison for the Nursing-Legal Partnership, embedding civil legal aid attorneys into home visiting programs. Erin also administered NNCC’s Family Support Fund and expanded this work through the Family Advocacy and Integrated Resources Project, offering legal aid and financial support to families. Her career reflects a deep belief in collaboration, advocacy, and holistic care to help families achieve their health and life goals.

Yolanda Boykins, BA, CLC, Full Spectrum Doula & Perinatal Coordinator, Oshun Family Center

Yolanda A. Boykins is a full-spectrum doula, certified lactation consultant, herbalist, and practitioner of healing and spiritual arts. With a background in cultural anthropology and over a decade as a yoga and mindfulness teacher, she weaves ancestral reverence, holistic wellness, and community empowerment into her practice. Since 2021, Yolanda has served as Perinatal Coordinator at Oshun Family Center, supporting research addressing preeclampsia and advancing reproductive justice. Through ritual, herbs, movement, and advocacy, she centers equity, informed choice, and healing while holding sacred space for Black and Indigenous birthing people and their families.

Ava Campbell, Youth Co-Chair, Revolution 4 Youth Coalition

Since 2022, Ava Campbell has been a committed youth advocate focused on advancing youth and sexual health. In this role, Ava collaborated on the development of a survey distributed to school nurses and students to ensure equitable allocation of health products in schools. Additionally, Ava served as a youth council member contributing to the design of Aunt Flow’s campaign logo for Phlow Philly. As Youth Co-Chair of the Revolution 4 Youth Coalition, Ava continues to champion initiatives that empower young people and promote wellness.

Nia Coaxum, MPH, Philly Joy Bank Program Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Nia Coaxum is a public health professional committed to health equity. As Program Manager for the Philly Joy Bank—the city’s first guaranteed income pilot for pregnant people—she supports families through education and advocacy. A doula and founder of Birth With Purpose Doula Services, she centers clients’ voices and bodily autonomy. Nia holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Public Health from West Chester University and is pursuing her Doctor of Public Health at George Washington University. She serves on the Pennsylvania Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee and the Philadelphia Maternal Mortality Review Committee.

Jabina Coleman, LCSW, IBCLC, Director of Health Equity Training & Quality Improvement, Temple University

Jabina Coleman is a reproductive psychotherapist, researcher, and health equity leader with over a decade of experience addressing systemic inequities in maternal health. She serves as Director of Health Equity Training and Quality Improvement at Temple University, where she co-leads a PCORI-funded study implementing anti-bias and anti-racism training for obstetric teams. Her work bridges clinical care, organizational leadership, and community engagement to transform systems and advance equitable maternal health. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Science degree, Jabina continues to center research, advocacy, and community voices in her mission to institutionalize birth equity.

Ellen Davis, MSW, Philly Families CAN Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Ellen Davis, MSW, serves as the Philly Families CAN Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Division of Maternal, Child and Family Health. She earned her BA from Hope College in Holland, MI, and her Master’s in Social Work from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. With over a decade of experience in public health, Ellen has worked extensively in both project implementation and research. In her current role, she oversees the operations of Philly Families CAN, a centralized intake and referral system connecting Philadelphia families to critical support programs.

Nicole D. Ellis Wilson, Project Manager, CRS, University of Pennsylvania & Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Nicole D. Ellis Wilson is a Project Manager at the University of Pennsylvania, leading the Perinatal WARM Line Expansion Project, which expands access to trauma-informed behavioral health and recovery support for pregnant and postpartum individuals impacted by substance use. She also works with Penn Medicine’s PROUD Clinic and CHOP’s Neonatal Follow-Up Clinic, providing recovery support and care coordination. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, is a Certified Recovery Specialist, Certified Peer Specialist, and Behavioral Health Technician, and is pursuing her Master of Social Work at Temple University. With 14 years of lived recovery experience, she is recognized for her commitment to equitable, trauma-informed, family-centered care.

Signe Espinoza, MPH, Executive Director and Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates and Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania

Signe Espinoza (she/her/ella) is the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates (PPPA), leading efforts to ensure accessible, affirming reproductive health care for all Pennsylvanians. Under her leadership, PPPA flipped the PA House to a pro-reproductive health majority and achieved a clean sweep of judicial elections. Her advocacy ended a 30-year state contract with crisis pregnancy centers and advanced legislation for contraception, abortion access, and sex education. Signe holds an MPH from Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health and has been recognized among Dornsife’s notable alumni, City & State PA’s “40 Under 40,” and as a 2025 Above & Beyond Women Award honoree.

Aniya Jackson, Youth Member, The School District of Philadelphia ELECT

Aniya Jackson is a 20-year-old youth leader and proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. She is a devoted single mother to her young daughter and enjoys playing basketball, making music, and spending quality time with her family. A high school graduate, Aniya plans to pursue higher education with the goal of becoming a lawyer. She is also passionate about entrepreneurship and music production, aspiring to carry forward her uncle’s dream while building her own legacy as a business owner and producer.

Sara Jann Heinze, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy, Maternity Care Coalition

Sara Jann Heinze is the Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at Maternity Care Coalition, where she advances equitable maternal and child health, early care and education, and economic security policies. She leads the Thriving PA Perinatal Health Advocacy Campaign, serves as strategy lead for the Family Care Coalition advocating for statewide paid family and medical leave, and represents MCC on the Childhood Begins at Home Campaign. Sara holds a master’s degree in political science and international relations from the University of Delaware, with research focused on gender, citizenship, and economic development in the Global South.

Marah Lange, MSW, Director of Client Services, Abortion Liberation Fund of PA

Marah Lange, MSW, is the Director of Client Services at the Abortion Liberation Fund of PA. Since 2013, she has led the Help Line team, ensuring callers have the financial assistance and support needed to access abortion care. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, Marah has dedicated her career to advancing abortion access and reproductive justice.

MaryNissi Lemon, Community Doula Support Program Manager, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Coming Soon

Jennifer Lewey, MD, MPH, Director, Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Dr. Jennifer Lewey is a cardiologist and researcher at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in the care of pregnant and postpartum individuals with or at risk of heart disease. Her work focuses on improving maternal cardiovascular health outcomes and reducing racial disparities in care.

Rachel Mark, Senior Attorney, HELP: MLP

Rachel Mark is a Senior Attorney with HELP: MLP in Philadelphia, where she supports pregnant people and young families through the FAIR Project by providing legal services and engaging in systemic advocacy. She is committed to improving maternal-child health through interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practice. Rachel is a graduate of Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and is the mother of three.

Meredith Matone, DrPH, MHS, Director, PolicyLab, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Meredith Matone is the Director of PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine. She also directs the PolicyLab Community Partnerships in Research pilot grant program and serves as core faculty for CHOP’s Qualitative Research Core. Her research focuses on maternal and young child health, family well-being, and building community partnerships to improve policies for under-resourced families. Experienced in program evaluation and mixed-methods research, she uses administrative data to inform child and caregiver health.

Saleemah McNeil, MS, MFT, Executive Director, Oshun Family Center

Saleemah McNeil is the Founder and Executive Director of Oshun Family Center, where she leads culturally responsive maternal wellness programs, mental health support, and workforce development for birth workers. A maternal health advocate, researcher, psychotherapist, and doula, she is committed to improving maternal health outcomes and dismantling systemic barriers. With expertise in reproductive psychotherapy, community-based research, and policy advocacy, Saleemah’s leadership extends to national initiatives that amplify the voices of birthing individuals and expand access to compassionate, evidence-based care.

Angie Orozco-Rasique, Students Against Period Poverty (SAPP)

Angie Orozco-Rasique, a Philadelphia native, is a dedicated advocate for reproductive health freedom. While studying at the Community College of Philadelphia, she served as Student Government Association President, where she prioritized student wellness and spearheaded the creation of four “Menstruation Stations” across campus. She also expanded access to reproductive health products through the college’s “Health Jawn” vending machine. Beyond campus, Angie has focused on reproductive health within the carceral system, educating herself and others while advocating for systemic change through public speaking engagements. Today, she continues to advance equity and dignity as a member of Students Against Period Poverty in Philadelphia.

Melissa Patti, LCSW, Director of Maternal and Infant Health, March of Dimes

Melissa Patti is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in maternal and infant health, mental health, and harm reduction. As Director of Maternal and Infant Health Initiatives at the Greater Philadelphia March of Dimes, she supports communities through advocacy, programs, and education. Melissa serves on multiple state and regional committees, including the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee and the Pennsylvania Doula Commission Advisory Board. She is also a Perinatal Psychotherapist at The Postpartum Stress Center, a trained birth doula, and childbirth educator. She lives in Northwest Philadelphia with her husband and two children.

Kara Pravdo, CRNP, Nurse Practitioner, Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Complex Family Planning

Kara Pravdo, MSN, CRNP, is the Nurse Practitioner for the Division of Complex Family Planning at Jefferson Einstein Hospital, providing comprehensive care for early pregnancy loss, early pregnancy concerns, abortion services, early ultrasound, and contraception. She teaches advanced practice providers, medical residents, and students, and co-leads the Pennsylvania chapter of the Reproductive Health Access Project. She also sits on the board of the New Jersey Reproductive Training and Education Initiative. Kara has 20 years of reproductive health experience in Philadelphia.

Elizabeth Pride, MPH, Senior Project Manager, Office of Domestic Violence Strategies

Elizabeth (Liz) Pride is a public health professional specializing in gender-based violence prevention and response. At the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Domestic Violence Strategies, she leads projects to enhance the city’s response to gender-based violence, facilitates trainings, and convenes stakeholders. She previously worked at the Women Against Abuse Legal Center, directly supporting survivors. Liz holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Pennsylvania.

Faith Pullinger, MD, Clinical Director of Ob/Gyn, Esperanza Health Center

Dr. Faith Pullinger is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Clinical Director of Women’s Health at Esperanza Health Center. She also serves as affiliate faculty with the Temple Ob/Gyn Department. A graduate of Grove City College, she earned her medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed her residency at Abington Memorial Hospital. She has been with Esperanza since 2016 and enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her husband and two children.

Mia Santiago is a dedicated high school student passionate about leadership, advocacy, and making a positive impact in the community. She is actively involved in school organizations and extracurricular activities, gaining valuable experience in collaboration, public speaking, and outreach. As a club officer for two student organizations, Mia works to create opportunities for her peers to get engaged and contribute meaningfully.

Mia Santiago, Youth Member, Central High School

Steph Silkowski, Policy Director, The Bridge Project

Steph Silkowski is Policy Director at The Bridge Project, the nation’s largest multi-state perinatal cash program. She leads policy, advocacy, and public funding efforts, bringing over a decade of experience in government, philanthropy, campaigns, and nonprofits. Previously, she served as Policy Director and Chief of Staff at the New York City Council, where she advanced initiatives including expanding subsidized child care for non-citizen children, setting pay standards for delivery workers, and launching cash aid for domestic violence survivors. Steph holds a B.A. from Providence College and an M.P.A. from NYU Wagner and lives in Brooklyn.

Cira Toure, Health Navigator/Case Manager, African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)

Cira Toure is a Cultural Health Navigator at AFAHO. Originally from Mauritania, West Africa, she speaks six languages: French, English, Wolof, Fulani, Bambara, and Soninke. She has experience working with pregnant women and refugees, and is committed to helping immigrants and refugees meet their needs and achieve their goals.

Kavita Vinekar, MD, MPH, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Thomas Jefferson University

Dr. Kavita Vinekar is an obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in early pregnancy, abortion, and contraception. She serves as the Director of Family Planning at Jefferson, Medical Director of the Jefferson Title X Clinic, and leads the Jefferson Early Pregnancy Program with support from the Philadelphia Health Department. Her work focuses on improving early pregnancy care access and promoting inclusive, equitable, person-centered healthcare.

Rebekah Weber, CNM, WHNP, Esperanza Health Center

Rebekah Weber is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and the Director of Contigo, a bilingual doula program at Esperanza Health Center. She is committed to equitable and empowering birth experiences, especially for Spanish-speaking families. Rebekah’s background includes clinical care at Esperanza and Jefferson Einstein, and she holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a proud parent to a young daughter and is passionate about Philadelphia’s diverse communities.

Birth Justice Summit 2023 Recap

Check out photos from the 2023 event below.

On October 26, 2023, more than 250 women, birthing people, governmental agencies, healthcare professionals, insurance providers, maternal support organizations, policy advocates, social determinants of health professionals, and support networks joined us for the inaugural Birth Justice Philly Summit! The summit served as a vital platform to highlight the outstanding efforts being made to create an equitable space for all individuals during childbirth. It also provided an invaluable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about advancing progress in this important field. Watch the video to learn more about the summit!