I am Elsie, and I started working  with  Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance in  2019 as a graduate student intern.  That year, I received my Masters in Public Health in Health Education and Promotion from University of Southern California (USC) at Keck School of Medicine. I am now serving as the board secretary. 

My interest in natural births, mother-centered models and birthing centers began in my junior year of undergrad when I took a course on childbirth, motherhood and reproduction, where I learned how different pregnancy and motherhood is for people in the US compared to other nations. I was also introduced to the historical and present injustices that are faced by those giving birth in the US, especially Black mothers. Now, as a graduate of the USC Public Health program, and as a lifelong resident of South Central L.A., I want to pursue my interest in health disparities and give back to my community through health education and promotion.

I believe birth should be centered around the mother’s experience, but prior to that, the birthing woman or person should know what options and resources are available to them before, during and after birth.

I love contributing to the Happy Mama Healthy Baby Alliance’s mission because I’ve become passionate about childbirth and I want to share information about birth centers, midwives and doulas and all available resources with expectant mothers and persons in low-income, under-served areas.