Meet Cohort 2

TaCori Hayes is a devoted wife and mother to three. She is a champion for equity in maternal health care and committed to empowering families to reach their breastfeeding goals. From working as a nurse in Pediatric Oncology to the Intensive Care Unit to Primary Care, TaCori has been an advocate, educator and comforter for the most vulnerable populations. While pregnant with her first child, TaCori learned that her baby had Tetralogy of Fallot—a rare congenital heart defect. Then with her second pregnancy, she found herself carrying twins. During both journeys, TaCori realized the lack of representation showcasing Black mothers breastfeeding and Black breastfeeding educators. TaCori became what wasn’t available to her. She became the representation; the embodiment that “Black women breastfeed.” With tenacity, she successfully breast fed her heart warrior and her twins for 2 years. She created community and made support available so other mothers do not have to ask if it can be done. TaCori’s unique experiences make her a relatable guide to families of many circumstances and a well- equipped resource to colleagues. TaCori currently works as a Registered Nurse- International Board- Certified Lactation Consultant in the hospital & in the community. She educates families on infant feeding and supports them through parenthood. TaCori believes that Black motherhood should be protected and honored. She is actively working to enact policy changes at local levels and vows to continue to be a cheerleader to those who need it most.

Personal Mantra: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Dr. Hannah Jayne Harris is a solo mom who holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on integrated healthcare. She is an ERYT-200, an RPYT, a full spectrum doula and college psychology professor. Each day, Hannah works to help people understand and celebrate their bodies and unearth their confidence and authentic voice. She founded Water Signs Community Perinatal Services in 2022 in an effort to diversify the perinatal support network in her predominantly white area. When she's not in the classroom (as a teacher or a student), the delivery room, or the yoga studio, you can find her at home where she is a solo mom to an energetic toddler, a dog lover and a backyard chicken wrangler.

Personal Mantra: "When a man starts out to build a world, He starts first with himself And the faith that is in his heart - The strength there, The will to build." - Langston Hughes

Jacqueline Lambert is the Director of the Lets Talk Cafe licensed in 2016 by Baby Cafe USA, Owner and Operator of Inspirational Doula Services. She works as Community Based Doula Manager & Trainer with Health Connect One. 

Jacqueline has been providing community-based support to women and children since 2005. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Mrs. Lambert holds the certifications of: Certified Wellness Coach (CWC1) in 2021, Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) since 2014 and became a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) in 2016, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), and a Full Spectrum Doula offering doula services from preconception to end of life. 

Mrs. Lambert is a member of several professional organizations such as National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC), Appalachian Breastfeeding Network, MILK Research Community Advisory Board, Sunflower County CAN Chairperson, Bolivar County CAN Vice Chairperson, ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) Community Transformer, Health Connect One BELA Leader, Delta Breastfeeding Coalition, and Mississippi Birth Coalition.   Jacqueline is on the Conference Planning Team with the United States Breastfeeding Committee and on the United States Breastfeeding Committee Membership Team. 

Jacqueline graduated with an Associate Degree in Medical Assistance from Spencerian University, AAS in Farm Management from Alcorn State University, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Ashworth University and will graduate with a 2^nd Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services in May 2024.

Jacqueline’s life goals are to help families throughout the State of Mississippi make informed choices about infant and maternal care practices and encourage and support young parents along their parenting journey.

Jacqueline received the Cultural Change-makers Award from the United States Breastfeeding Committee in 2019. Jacqueline also received the WIC Loving Support Award 2015-2017 for the breastfeeding services in Bolivar and Sunflower County. She received the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chi Mu Omega Chapter Health Service Award in 2022. In 2023 she received numerous awards in Bolivar and Sunflower County from Delta Health Partners Tougaloo College CAN Boards.

Jacqueline is the proud wife of Andre Lambert and mother of three children: Christopher, late son Andre Jr., and Andrianna.  Jacqueline is also the proud grandmother of three- Makaii, My’Laiah, and Chrissianna.

Personal Mantra: "If I can help someone along the way, then my living won't be in vain"

Shakeya Key is a mother of 3 residing in Portsmouth, Virginia. She is a breastfeeding advocate in the community, as well as an educator/peer support for lactation.

Shakeya began her journey to breastfeeding advocacy as a young mother after the birth of her first daughter, Imani in 2013. Nurture, a nonprofit based in Richmond, began a pilot program to create more lactation educators in the community and through this, her path to adding education to the experience grew its roots. Following this program, Shakeya became certified as a lactation counselor in 2018. She continues to work with Nurture providing support via social media and other avenues and intends to pursue becoming an IBCLC.

Personal Mantra: Even if it seems that no one is listening, at least one person hears you and will carry on the knowledge. Each one, teach one.

Krista, affectionately known as the “cool mom” has four amazing children ranging from college graduate to elementary school age. She breastfed all of her children with the longest stretch lasting until her child was 5 years old. She became passionate about birth-work and supporting mothers and babies after working through her own experience with postpartum depression. Healing is where she found herself, her strength, her voice and her determination to rise above any and all adversities!

Krista found her passion-work  becoming a full spectrum doula with Birthing Beautiful Communities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, advocating, supporting and empowering families in Northeast Ohio. Now in her role as the Sr. Director of Training and Community Impact she has the honor of training new doulas in the Cleveland and Akron, Ohio area. 

Krista’s mission and vision encompasses a “Whole Women’s Institute” that supports birthing women through their birth, labor and postpartum periods. Educating full spectrum perinatal support doulas to empower, support and nurture women while they connect the dots of life and discover ways to combat systemic racism experienced in the medical systems.

Krista is a Community Health Worker, childbirth educator, member of the Junior League of Cleveland, the CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) New Members Committee and the Lamaze International Advocacy & Collaboration Committee.

Personal Mantra: We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational and so disciplined they can be free. - Kavita Ramdas

Chereka Moore is a dedicated and compassionate registered nurse with nearly two decades of expertise in maternal care, chronically ill adults, and disabled children. As an emerging leader, Chereka has effectively managed multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes optimal outcomes. Chereka’s own challenging childbirth experience inspired my passion to be an advocate for maternal health. As a pioneer for maternal health, she has championed initiatives to elevate the standard of care for expectant mothers. Over the course of her career, she has not only provided hands-on compassionate care but also assumed leadership roles to drive positive change in maternal health practices. Chereka’s devotion to advancing maternal health extends beyond the bedside as she actively participates in community outreach and educational initiatives to empower and educate women. With a commitment to cultural competence and sensitivity, Chereka has sought to create an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment. While leading and engaging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Chereka is heavily involved in the development and implementation of DEI strategies by collaborating with stakeholders to create inclusive policies and practices.

Additionally, Chereka emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach by leveraging the power of fitness to enhance women’s health and well-being. By combining my passion for fitness and women’s health, she aims to inspire and support women, fostering a positive impact on their health outcomes.

Personal Mantra: Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create. 

A licensed physical therapist in the state of North Carolina for over 18 yrs, Sanpri most recently added International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant to her credentials in 2022.  Sanpri was inspired to pursue a career in lactation when she reflected on her personal breastfeeding journeys. Fueled by the knowledge that many other black parents have received subpar lactation support, Sanpri searched for opportunities to be an advocate for change in her community.  As a long time healthcare professional in the local hospital systems of the Greater Charlotte area, Sanpri has been in her current role as a lactation consultant for Atrium Health since September 2022. She is also the founder of Expressed With Care Lactation Services, LLC,  a private practice which will officially launch in 2024.  

Personal Mantra(s): "I am a Champion" -  Carrie Underwood (When I doubt my abilities) 

"Good Morning, Gorgeous " - Mary J. Blige (When I doubt the beauty that radiates from inside out)

Charlotte Torres is a dynamic Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (PC), Community-Based Doula (CBD), and public health professional. Charlotte has over ten years of experience in data collection management and supporting families on their Breast/Chestfeeding journey through one-on-one peer support, support groups, and celebratory luncheons as a Breast/Chestfeeding PC at UIC Mile Square Health Center WIC while earning her CLC. She co-developed and co-facilitated lunch and learns for the faculty and clinic staff to encourage support and awareness of Breast/Chestfeeding within the communities being served. Charlotte is a member of the Chicago Region Breastfeeding Task Force (CRBFTF) and serves as an HC One representative for the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). Currently, she serves as the Lactation Program Manager and Trainer for HC One, where she co-facilitates Peer Counselor Trainings, facilitated focus groups at the University of Chicago (U of C), provides technical assistance and consulting to our First Food Equity (FFE) partners, the Illinois State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (ISPAN), and North Shore Hospital Systems while advocating for first food equity within BIPOC families and communities.

Personal Mantra: I am enough. You are enough. Period.

Portia Willams is a Maternal Child Health Community Advocate, Quality Improvement Specialist, Lactation Consultant, and Inaugural Vice Chair of the International Board of Lactation Consultants Examiners Commission on Practice. Portia is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Omicron Nu Zeta Chapter located in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a survivor of Preeclampsia & the NICU while tandem breastfeeding beyond infancy. Portia is currently employed as the Manager of Maternity Care Management for Humana’s Healthy Horizon. She also works as the New Orleans, Louisiana Baby Café Lead Facilitator and Regional Coordinator for Baby Café USA. 

Personal Mantra: Breastfeeding is a weapon of mass construction. Find opportunities to say Yes.