Birthing Health Equity Initiative

Samuel Merritt University’s Millicent A. Zaludek Endowed Maternal/Birthing Health Equity Initiative was established in 2024 within SMU’s Ethnic Health Institute. This initiative aims to position SMU as a partner in addressing maternal and birthing inequities in communities of color through bi-directional learning opportunities, research, and programs in partnership with community leaders. By leveraging students, staff, and faculty, as well as community partners and institutional resources, the initiative intends to create a sustained, meaningful, and holistic impact in communities experiencing birthing and maternal health disparities.

Year 1 Initiatives and Priorities:

Educating a healthcare workforce that is prepared to address maternal health inequities: Auditing current SMU curriculum to identify areas where maternal health equity curriculum can be further infused and elevated. Establishing additional educational and service opportunities for SMU students, staff, and faculty to understand maternal health and how it impacts BIPOC communities.
Engaging community leaders in addressing birth inequities among communities of color and underresourced communities: Working with partners like Roots Community Health Center to support their already established maternal health programs and strengthen their maternal health workforce and capacity.
Providing financial support to those pursuing healthcare degrees in order to address maternal health disparities among high-need communities: The Millicent A. Zaludek Endowed Scholarship provides $25,000 each year for this effort.

Questions or comments? Email salavi@samuelmerritt.edu

Meet the Initiative's Steering Commitee

Antoinette (Toni) Williams, Faculty Co-Fellow; Adjunct Instructor, College of Nursing
Sarah Proctor, Faculty Co-Fellow; Maternity and Community Health Faculty, College of Nursing
Nila Hollis, Interim Co-Director, PMHDNP Program, College of Nursing
Quiara Smith, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator, Occupational Therapy Department
Kathryn Kramer, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing
Jasmine Thorpe, Alumni, SMU Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Janai Collins, ABSN Student
Imani Pierce Nwagwu, ABSN Student
Allyson Emmarene, Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Health Sciences
Tavi Baker, Associate Director, Center for Community Engagement & Manager, Ethnic Health Institute
Sam Alavi-Irvine, Founding Director, Center for Community Engagement