Midwifery Week Gala THE SECOND ANNUAL OCTOBER 4, 2019
Midwifery Week Gala
T H E S E C O N D A N N U A L
O C T O B E R 4 , 2 0 1 9
@metrodetroitmoc
"We are the Women we Serve"
Program for the Evening
6:00pm Networking Reception with music by Elite Three Sixty Band
7:00pm Welcoming remarks Char’ly Snow, CNM, Founder Angela Foster, CNM, Co-founder Natalie Woods, CNM, Co-founder
Sponsor Acknowledgements
7:20pm Introduction of Emcee Cheryl Larry-Osman, RN, MS, CNM, CNS 7:30pm Dinner Service (Special thanks to Touch of Class Catering)
7:45pm Introduction of Keynote Speaker Ebony Marcelle MS, CNM
8:15pm Student Grant Awards Presentation
Stephanie Paxton (Armeshia Cecile Blacksheare Grant Midwifery Grant) Tameka Williams (Dr. Theodore Jones Midwifery Grant) Joi Barnett (Dr. Martina T. Caldwell Midwifery Grant) Vernicia Winford (MDMOC Student Professional Development Grant)
8:35 Pioneer Honoree Award
Midwife Jennie Joseph
8:45pm Fulea ACNM Leadership Grant
9:00pm Program conclusion and special acknowledgements
Sponsor ListingPLATINUMHENRY FORD COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERSHIP
GOLDACNM MI AFFILIATEBIRTH DETROITWIN NETWORK
SILVERBOWERS AFC INC.IDECIDE DETROIT TEEN HEALTH CENTERUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF NURSING
Table SponsorsHFHS WOMEN’S HEALTH
AdvertisingGOLDEN GIRLS MENTORINGTHE DAD EVOLUTIONL.I.V.E RESUME WITH MELANIE DENNYBOWERS AFC INC.IDECIDE DETROIT TEEN HEALTH CENTERUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF NURSINGACNM MI AFFILIATEBIRTH DETROITHENRY FORD COMMUNITY OUTREACH PARTNERSHIPHFHS WOMEN’S HEALTH
MDMOC Founders
Char'ly is a Detroit native. She graduated from Martin Luther King Jr Senior H.S and received her BSN from the University of Michigan in 2001. She joined the Henry Ford team in 2006 and has been spreading her wings ever since. In 2012, after having served diligently as a bedside nurse, nurse educator and assistant nurse manager in the Cardiovascular ICU and Surgical ICU departments, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. Char'ly worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Henry Ford hospital (HFH) while studying Midwifery at Wayne State University. In 2015 she completed her MSN in Midwifery and was welcomed into the HFH Midwifery team under the direct leadership of Cathy Collins-Fulea, current President-Elect of the American College of Nurse Midwives. In 2019 she was appointed as the Director of Midwifery Services for Henry Ford Health Services.
MDMOC is an extension of her commitment to serve the women of Detroit. Char'ly's vision for this organization is to provide other providers the opportunity to develop a network, irrespective of their employers, that will directly serve the needs of the community through role modeling, community-based initiatives and seminars. MDMOC will also support the growth and diversification of the profession by serving as mentors for aspiring Midwifery students of color.
She attributes her past and future successes to her faith in God and the support of her loving husband, children, family and friends.
Char'ly R. Snow, CNM Founder
Metro Detroit Midwives of Color(MDMOC)
MDMOC Founders
Char'ly is a Detroit native. She graduated from Martin Luther King Jr Senior H.S and received her BSN from the University of Michigan in 2001. She joined the Henry Ford team in 2006 and has been spreading her wings ever since. In 2012, after having served diligently as a bedside nurse, nurse educator and assistant nurse manager in the Cardiovascular ICU and Surgical ICU departments, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. Char'ly worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Henry Ford hospital (HFH) while studying Midwifery at Wayne State University. In 2015 she completed her MSN in Midwifery and was welcomed into the HFH Midwifery team under the direct leadership of Cathy Collins-Fulea, current President-Elect of the American College of Nurse Midwives. In 2019 she was appointed as the Director of Midwifery Services for Henry Ford Health Services.
MDMOC is an extension of her commitment to serve the women of Detroit. Char'ly's vision for this organization is to provide other providers the opportunity to develop a network, irrespective of their employers, that will directly serve the needs of the community through role modeling, community-based initiatives and seminars. MDMOC will also support the growth and diversification of the profession by serving as mentors for aspiring Midwifery students of color.
She attributes her past and future successes to her faith in God and the support of her loving husband, children, family and friends.
Char'ly R. Snow, CNM Founder
Metro Detroit Midwives of Color(MDMOC)
MDMOC Founders
Angela is a native of Mississippi. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2002 from Xavier University of Louisiana then relocated to Metro Detroit in 2002. She received her BSN from University of Detroit Mercy in 2007 before joining Henry Ford Hospital. Angela’s background while at Henry Ford Hospital was primarily inpatient Cardiology and later Cardiovascular Surgery. Angela has always had a passion for women’s health and in 2012, decided to pursue her passion as she embarked upon her journey to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Angela continued her nursing career in cardiovascular surgery on a part-time basis while pursuing her midwifery career at Wayne State University. After receiving her MSN in Midwifery in 2014, she joined Wayne State University Physician Group Division of Midwifery.
In March of 2018, Angela began working with Ascension Providence and the Providence Nurse Midwives. Being a big advocate for normal physiologic birth, Angela feels right at home working in the Alternate Birth Care Unit. Every birth is truly a humbling experience and Angela is proud to be serving the community of Metro Detroit.
Angela recently served as the Secretary of the Michigan Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives from 2015-2018. This leadership opportunity has truly been an enlightening experience. Angela learned a great deal about the legislative side of the business and the importance of advocacy for the profession of nursing as well as midwifery and plans to continue to advocate for women and families in her community.
In her spare time, Angela enjoys spending time with her family and her two beautiful boys!
Angela gives her Lord and Savior all the glory for her success. Angela is also blessed to have love and support from her family and friends.
Angela Foster, CNM Co-Founder
Metro Detroit Midwives of Color (MDMOC)
MDMOC Founders
Angela is a native of Mississippi. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2002 from Xavier University of Louisiana then relocated to Metro Detroit in 2002. She received her BSN from University of Detroit Mercy in 2007 before joining Henry Ford Hospital. Angela’s background while at Henry Ford Hospital was primarily inpatient Cardiology and later Cardiovascular Surgery. Angela has always had a passion for women’s health and in 2012, decided to pursue her passion as she embarked upon her journey to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Angela continued her nursing career in cardiovascular surgery on a part-time basis while pursuing her midwifery career at Wayne State University. After receiving her MSN in Midwifery in 2014, she joined Wayne State University Physician Group Division of Midwifery.
In March of 2018, Angela began working with Ascension Providence and the Providence Nurse Midwives. Being a big advocate for normal physiologic birth, Angela feels right at home working in the Alternate Birth Care Unit. Every birth is truly a humbling experience and Angela is proud to be serving the community of Metro Detroit.
Angela recently served as the Secretary of the Michigan Affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives from 2015-2018. This leadership opportunity has truly been an enlightening experience. Angela learned a great deal about the legislative side of the business and the importance of advocacy for the profession of nursing as well as midwifery and plans to continue to advocate for women and families in her community.
In her spare time, Angela enjoys spending time with her family and her two beautiful boys!
Angela gives her Lord and Savior all the glory for her success. Angela is also blessed to have love and support from her family and friends.
Angela Foster, CNM Co-Founder
Metro Detroit Midwives of Color (MDMOC)
MDMOC Founders
Natalie Woods is a Detroit native, who started her nursing career in 2003 at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit. After 8 years of service she transferred to Wayne State University School of Medicine to perform OB research within the infectious
disease department. The research she participated in specialized in HIV in pregnancy and postpartum medication regimes. It was there she developed her love for prevention and
treatment of HIV.
Natalie’s passion to provide full scope care to her obstetrical patients lead her to pursue further education in midwifery. In 2015 Natalie obtained a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Advance Practice Nursing with Women, Neonates and Children. She began
practicing as a certified nurse midwife in 2016 at Hutzel Women’s Hospital OB triage unit until she transitioned to the City of Detroit Health Department, where she now works as a
Reproductive Health Specialist for the iDecide Teen Center. Natalie's passion for her career is embodied by her commitment to her patients and the population that she serves.
She loves being a wife, mother, midwife and friend. Enjoys life and approaches it with a positive outlook, finding good in any situation. Professional affiliations include member of American
College of Nurse Midwifery, Sigma Theta Tau member, Co-founder of Metro Detroit Midwives of Color.
Natalie has been involved in various community programs such a Mom’s In Motion (HIV support group for women), MHPPPI which focuses on provider education on advancement of
HIV prevention and reduction, and also provides mentorship for aspiring midwives.
One of her favorite quotes is “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” Which explains her relentless passion and drive for continuous personal and career growth.
Natalie Woods, CNM Co-Founder
Metro Detroit Midwives of Color (MDMOC)
Cheryl Larry-Osman, RN, MS, CNM, CNS
Cheryl Larry-Osman is a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She trained as a certified nurse midwife and has over 23 years of experience in the areas of Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, High Risk Antepartum, Normal Newborn, and Women’s Health.
As a complement to clinical practice, Cheryl received training as a Healthcare Equity Ambassador through the Henry Ford Health System. She is an active member of AWHONN and is currently an elected member of the National Board of Directors, providing oversite for the organization’s mission/vision, fiscal functions, programs/services, and legal/moral goals. Cheryl passionately advocates for the equitable care of all women and newborns, and provides strong leadership in the awareness of health disparities with her involvement in clinical strategies, presentations, and legislative policy at national, state, & local levels addressing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
KEYNOTE ADDRESSEbony Marcelle is the Director of Midwifery at Community of Hope/Family Health and Birth Center. Formerly the Administrative Chief of Midwifery Service at Medstar Washington Hospital Center she completed her nursing education at Georgetown University and Midwifery at Philadelphia University. She also holds a BS in Psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA.She was recognized by Save the Child for their “Real Award Midwife Honoree” in 2014. In 2015 she was recognized by the American College of Nurse Midwives with the “Young Whippersnapper” award for midwives excelling professionally with less than 10 years’ experience. Last year she completed the Duke University and Johnson & Johnson Nursing Leadership Fellowship. She is also currently adjunct faculty at Georgetown University.Mrs. Marcelle is known for her passion in midwifery and midwifery’s role in social justice. She is an expert in building culturally aware midwifery models of care specifically for underserved African American women. She is currently serving on the following boards: March for Moms, National Association for the Advancement of Black Birth, and is a collaborator with Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband, Step-son, and two fur-children.
Ebony Marcelle MS, CNM
Cheryl Larry-Osman, RN, MS, CNM, CNS
Cheryl Larry-Osman is a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She trained as a certified nurse midwife and has over 23 years of experience in the areas of Labor and Delivery, Postpartum, High Risk Antepartum, Normal Newborn, and Women's Health.
As a complement to clinical practice, Cheryl received training as a Healthcare Equity Ambassador through the Henry Ford Health System. She is an active member of AWHONN and is currently an elected member of the National Board of Directors, providing oversite for the organization’s mission/vision, fiscal functions, programs/services, and legal/moral goals. Cheryl passionately advocates for the equitable care of all women and newborns, and provides strong leadership in the awareness of health disparities with her involvement in clinical strategies, presentations, and legislative policy at national, state, & local levels addressing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
MISTRESS OF CEREMONY
KEYNOTE ADDRESSEbony Marcelle is the Director of Midwifery at Community of Hope/Family Health and Birth Center. Formerly the Administrative Chief of Midwifery Service at Medstar Washington Hospital Center she completed her nursing education at Georgetown University and Midwifery at Philadelphia University. She also holds a BS in Psychology from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, GA.She was recognized by Save the Child for their “Real Award Midwife Honoree” in 2014. In 2015 she was recognized by the American College of Nurse Midwives with the “Young Whippersnapper” award for midwives excelling professionally with less than 10 years’ experience. Last year she completed the Duke University and Johnson & Johnson Nursing Leadership Fellowship. She is also currently adjunct faculty at Georgetown University.Mrs. Marcelle is known for her passion in midwifery and midwifery’s role in social justice. She is an expert in building culturally aware midwifery models of care specifically for underserved African American women. She is currently serving on the following boards: March for Moms, National Association for the Advancement of Black Birth, and is a collaborator with Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband, Step-son, and two fur-children.
Ebony Marcelle MS, CNM
Jennie Joseph is a British-trained midwife who fights to
ensure every woman has their healthiest possible pregnancy,
birth and postpartum experience with dignity and support.
Jennie created The JJ Way® which is an evidence-based
maternal child health (MCH) model delivering readily-
accessible, patient-centered, culturally-congruent care to
women in areas that she terms 'materno-toxic zones'.
She is the Executive Director of her own non-profit
corporation Commonsense Childbirth Inc. which operates a
midwifery school & perinatal professional training institute,
health clinics and a birthing center in Orlando, Florida, where
she has lived since 1989. Jennie is also the founder of the
National Perinatal Task Force, a grassroots organization
whose mission is the elimination of racial disparities in
maternal child health in the USA
Midwife Jennie Joseph
PIONEER HONOREE
Stephanie Breanna Paxton is a 26, year old registered nurse
within the Labor and Delivery department at Hutzel Women’s
Hospital. Currently she is enrolled in Georgetown University’s
Masters Online Program in Midwifery & Women’s Health
Nurse Practitioner. As a future healthcare provider her main
goal is to stress the importance of pre-natal education and
breastfeeding within the African-American community. During
her free time, she likes to volunteer with her nursing sorority,
Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated, and give back to her local
community.
Armeshia Cecile Blacksheare Grant RecipientStephanie Paxton
Tameka Williams is currently a Nurse Midwife student at Wayne
State University. After obtaining her BSN from Walden University
she decided to continue furthering her education in hopes of
reaching her goal in becoming an advance practice nurse for
women as a Nurse Midwife. She attended Detroit public schools
and started her career in nursing after graduating from Henry Ford
Community College. Her nursing career has taken her to many
different areas of practice that include Labor and Delivery,
Emergency department and currently Medical ICU. She has had
the privilege of gaining experience in many different settings, and
in other states such as Florida and California. Women’s health has
been a passion of hers since the experience of my own pregnancy.
She knew then that providing care to other women was her goal.
When she not working, she enjoys going to the gym, as she has
developed a love for fitness and traveling. She is looking forward
to providing advanced level care for other women in her
community
Dr. Theodore Jones Midwifery Grant
Tameka Williams
MEET THE 2019 GRANT WINNERS
Dr. Martina T. Caldwell Midwifery GrantJoi Barnett
MEET THE 2019 GRANT WINNERS
Joi Barnett, Student Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator, is
the mother to four little humans. Joi was certified as a nursing
assistant during her senior year of high school and worked in
that capacity for more than ten years. Joi attended nursing
school at University of Indianapolis.
Wanting to focus on her passions for families, birth, and
breastfeeding; Joi was trained as a Bosom Buddy for the Indiana
Black Breastfeeding Coalition and began working as a birth
doula. Joi was blessed to birth her fourth child at home which
led Joi to pursue Midwifery full time. Joi now attends National
College of Midwifery and is apprenticing with Sol Midwifery in her
hometown of Indianapolis, IN.
Joi continues to serve her community as a bosom buddy and
childbirth educator. Joi has been deeply inspired by “The JJ
Way” and aspires to bring this model of care to her community
and to open a birth center that will serve as a safe space/
community hub for birthing families. Joi is particularly concerned
with birthing families of color. Joi believes if birth is made safer
for black birthing families it will be safer for all birthing families.
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically change the
world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis
Vernicia Winford is a dual specialty graduate student specializing in
Nurse Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt
University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Xavier
University of Louisiana in 2014, followed by a Bachelor’s in Nursing at
Western Kentucky University in 2016. Vernicia worked in Labor and
Delivery for 2 years serving various populations. She also has
experience working in a Long-Term Care facility.
Vernicia’s passion is to educate and empower women, therefore, she
believes it is important to host community events. During Vernicia’s
free time she enjoys hosting Health Fairs in her local community and
promoting the field of nursing to youth. Vernicia is a huge believer of
mentorship and paying it forward. She is currently mentoring first year
midwifery students and assisting students with developing their skills
at her current institute. She is a Co-founder and former President of
Minority Nursing Student Organization at Western Kentucky University;
an organization geared towards increasing exposure to nursing careers
and mentoring current and perspective nursing students of color.
Lastly, Vernicia has contributed to a published article focusing on the
research of maternal and fetal effects of preeclampsia in the American
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She desires to care for women in
underrepresented populations, and aid in the decrease of health
disparities. Her passion is part of her daily motivation to become a
Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner.
MDMOCStudent Professional Development Grant Recipient
Vernicia Winford
Dr. Martina T. Caldwell Midwifery Grant Joi Barnett
MEET THE 2019 GRANT WINNERS
Joi Barnett, Student Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator, is
the mother to four little humans. Joi was certified as a nursing
assistant during her senior year of high school and worked in
that capacity for more than ten years. Joi attended nursing
school at University of Indianapolis.
Wanting to focus on her passions for families, birth, and
breastfeeding; Joi was trained as a Bosom Buddy for the Indiana
Black Breastfeeding Coalition and began working as a birth
doula. Joi was blessed to birth her fourth child at home which
led Joi to pursue Midwifery full time. Joi now attends National
College of Midwifery and is apprenticing with Sol Midwifery in her
hometown of Indianapolis, IN.
Joi continues to serve her community as a bosom buddy and
childbirth educator. Joi has been deeply inspired by “The JJ
Way” and aspires to bring this model of care to her community
and to open a birth center that will serve as a safe space/
community hub for birthing families. Joi is particularly concerned
with birthing families of color. Joi believes if birth is made safer
for black birthing families it will be safer for all birthing families.
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically change the
world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis
Vernicia Winford is a dual specialty graduate student specializing in
Nurse Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt
University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Xavier
University of Louisiana in 2014, followed by a Bachelor’s in Nursing at
Western Kentucky University in 2016. Vernicia worked in Labor and
Delivery for 2 years serving various populations. She also has
experience working in a Long-Term Care facility.
Vernicia’s passion is to educate and empower women, therefore, she
believes it is important to host community events. During Vernicia’s
free time she enjoys hosting Health Fairs in her local community and
promoting the field of nursing to youth. Vernicia is a huge believer of
mentorship and paying it forward. She is currently mentoring first year
midwifery students and assisting students with developing their skills
at her current institute. She is a Co-founder and former President of
Minority Nursing Student Organization at Western Kentucky University;
an organization geared towards increasing exposure to nursing careers
and mentoring current and perspective nursing students of color.
Lastly, Vernicia has contributed to a published article focusing on the
research of maternal and fetal effects of preeclampsia in the American
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She desires to care for women in
underrepresented populations, and aid in the decrease of health
disparities. Her passion is part of her daily motivation to become a
Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner.
MDMOCStudent Professional Development Grant Recipient
Vernicia Winford
Dr. Martina T. Caldwell Midwifery GrantJoi Barnett
MEET THE 2019 GRANT WINNERS
Joi Barnett, Student Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator, is
the mother to four little humans. Joi was certified as a nursing
assistant during her senior year of high school and worked in
that capacity for more than ten years. Joi attended nursing
school at University of Indianapolis.
Wanting to focus on her passions for families, birth, and
breastfeeding; Joi was trained as a Bosom Buddy for the Indiana
Black Breastfeeding Coalition and began working as a birth
doula. Joi was blessed to birth her fourth child at home which
led Joi to pursue Midwifery full time. Joi now attends National
College of Midwifery and is apprenticing with Sol Midwifery in her
hometown of Indianapolis, IN.
Joi continues to serve her community as a bosom buddy and
childbirth educator. Joi has been deeply inspired by “The JJ
Way” and aspires to bring this model of care to her community
and to open a birth center that will serve as a safe space/
community hub for birthing families. Joi is particularly concerned
with birthing families of color. Joi believes if birth is made safer
for black birthing families it will be safer for all birthing families.
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically change the
world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis
Vernicia Winford is a dual specialty graduate student specializing in
Nurse Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt
University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Xavier
University of Louisiana in 2014, followed by a Bachelor’s in Nursing at
Western Kentucky University in 2016. Vernicia worked in Labor and
Delivery for 2 years serving various populations. She also has
experience working in a Long-Term Care facility.
Vernicia’s passion is to educate and empower women, therefore, she
believes it is important to host community events. During Vernicia’s
free time she enjoys hosting Health Fairs in her local community and
promoting the field of nursing to youth. Vernicia is a huge believer of
mentorship and paying it forward. She is currently mentoring first year
midwifery students and assisting students with developing their skills
at her current institute. She is a Co-founder and former President of
Minority Nursing Student Organization at Western Kentucky University;
an organization geared towards increasing exposure to nursing careers
and mentoring current and perspective nursing students of color.
Lastly, Vernicia has contributed to a published article focusing on the
research of maternal and fetal effects of preeclampsia in the American
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She desires to care for women in
underrepresented populations, and aid in the decrease of health
disparities. Her passion is part of her daily motivation to become a
Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner.
MDMOC Student Professional Development Grant Recipient
Vernicia Winford
Dr. Martina T. Caldwell Midwifery GrantJoi Barnett
MEET THE 2019 GRANT WINNERS
Joi Barnett, Student Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator, is
the mother to four little humans. Joi was certified as a nursing
assistant during her senior year of high school and worked in
that capacity for more than ten years. Joi attended nursing
school at University of Indianapolis.
Wanting to focus on her passions for families, birth, and
breastfeeding; Joi was trained as a Bosom Buddy for the Indiana
Black Breastfeeding Coalition and began working as a birth
doula. Joi was blessed to birth her fourth child at home which
led Joi to pursue Midwifery full time. Joi now attends National
College of Midwifery and is apprenticing with Sol Midwifery in her
hometown of Indianapolis, IN.
Joi continues to serve her community as a bosom buddy and
childbirth educator. Joi has been deeply inspired by “The JJ
Way” and aspires to bring this model of care to her community
and to open a birth center that will serve as a safe space/
community hub for birthing families. Joi is particularly concerned
with birthing families of color. Joi believes if birth is made safer
for black birthing families it will be safer for all birthing families.
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically change the
world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis
Vernicia Winford is a dual specialty graduate student specializing in
Nurse Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt
University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Xavier
University of Louisiana in 2014, followed by a Bachelor’s in Nursing at
Western Kentucky University in 2016. Vernicia worked in Labor and
Delivery for 2 years serving various populations. She also has
experience working in a Long-Term Care facility.
Vernicia’s passion is to educate and empower women, therefore, she
believes it is important to host community events. During Vernicia’s
free time she enjoys hosting Health Fairs in her local community and
promoting the field of nursing to youth. Vernicia is a huge believer of
mentorship and paying it forward. She is currently mentoring first year
midwifery students and assisting students with developing their skills
at her current institute. She is a Co-founder and former President of
Minority Nursing Student Organization at Western Kentucky University;
an organization geared towards increasing exposure to nursing careers
and mentoring current and perspective nursing students of color.
Lastly, Vernicia has contributed to a published article focusing on the
research of maternal and fetal effects of preeclampsia in the American
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She desires to care for women in
underrepresented populations, and aid in the decrease of health
disparities. Her passion is part of her daily motivation to become a
Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner.
MDMOCStudent Professional Development Grant Recipient
Vernicia Winford
Fulea ACNM Leadership Grant
This award is presented annually to a student or new graduate
midwife of color, who has yet to become an ACNM member.
The recipient will receive a one-year American College of
Nurse Midwives membership sponsored by Cathy Collins-
Fulea DNP, CNM, FACNM. This award is intended to introduce
the recipient to the benefit of membership in our professional
organization and encourage active participation in the ACNM
on state and national level.
Special Thanks
Eunice Ernst
Dr. Amanda Paquet
A Str onger Communi t y .A healthier community.
Henry Ford Health System is pleased to support the Metro Detroit Midwives of Color and their mission to establish a professional and social network that increases access to resources that will enhance the care of women in urban communities. Their initiative helps improve the racial diversity within the midwifery community by offering mentorship and support to aspiring midwives of color.
This award is presented annually to a student or new graduate midwife of color, who has yet to become an ACNM member. The recipient will receive a one-year American College of Nurse Midwives membership sponsored by Cathy Collins-Fulea DNP, CNM, FACNM. This award is intended to introduce
the recipient to the benefit of membership in our professional organization and encourage active participation in the ACNM on state and national level.
Dr. Martina T. Caldwell Midwifery GrantJoi Barnett
MEET THE 2019 GRANT WINNERS
Joi Barnett, Student Midwife, Certified Childbirth Educator, is
the mother to four little humans. Joi was certified as a nursing
assistant during her senior year of high school and worked in
that capacity for more than ten years. Joi attended nursing
school at University of Indianapolis.
Wanting to focus on her passions for families, birth, and
breastfeeding; Joi was trained as a Bosom Buddy for the Indiana
Black Breastfeeding Coalition and began working as a birth
doula. Joi was blessed to birth her fourth child at home which
led Joi to pursue Midwifery full time. Joi now attends National
College of Midwifery and is apprenticing with Sol Midwifery in her
hometown of Indianapolis, IN.
Joi continues to serve her community as a bosom buddy and
childbirth educator. Joi has been deeply inspired by “The JJ
Way” and aspires to bring this model of care to her community
and to open a birth center that will serve as a safe space/
community hub for birthing families. Joi is particularly concerned
with birthing families of color. Joi believes if birth is made safer
for black birthing families it will be safer for all birthing families.
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically change the
world. And you have to do it all the time.” - Angela Davis
Vernicia Winford is a dual specialty graduate student specializing in
Nurse Midwifery and Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt
University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Xavier
University of Louisiana in 2014, followed by a Bachelor’s in Nursing at
Western Kentucky University in 2016. Vernicia worked in Labor and
Delivery for 2 years serving various populations. She also has
experience working in a Long-Term Care facility.
Vernicia’s passion is to educate and empower women, therefore, she
believes it is important to host community events. During Vernicia’s
free time she enjoys hosting Health Fairs in her local community and
promoting the field of nursing to youth. Vernicia is a huge believer of
mentorship and paying it forward. She is currently mentoring first year
midwifery students and assisting students with developing their skills
at her current institute. She is a Co-founder and former President of
Minority Nursing Student Organization at Western Kentucky University;
an organization geared towards increasing exposure to nursing careers
and mentoring current and perspective nursing students of color.
Lastly, Vernicia has contributed to a published article focusing on the
research of maternal and fetal effects of preeclampsia in the American
Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. She desires to care for women in
underrepresented populations, and aid in the decrease of health
disparities. Her passion is part of her daily motivation to become a
Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner.
MDMOCStudent Professional Development Grant Recipient
Vernicia Winford
A Str onger Communi t y .A healthier community.
Henry Ford Health System is pleased to support the Metro Detroit Midwives of Color and their mission to establish a professional and social network that increases access to resources that will enhance the care of women in urban communities. Their initiative helps improve the racial diversity within the midwifery community by offering mentorship and support to aspiring midwives of color.
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FALL 2020Students can earn their degrees online in these specialties:
• Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary CareNurse Practitioner
For more information, visit nursing.umich.edu.
OFFERING ONLINEMSN DEGREES IN
FALL 2020Students can earn their degrees online in these specialties:
• Primary Care Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
For more information, visit nursing.umich.edu. The DadEvolution L3C
Black FatherhoodChanging the Stereotype
Follow us onFB: The Dad Evolution L3C
IG:walton.eric.tphone: 313-350-8995
The Dad Evolution L3C
Black FatherhoodChanging the Stereotype
Follow us onFB: The Dad Evolution L3C
IG:walton.eric.tphone: 313-350-8995
The DadEvolution L3C
Black FatherhoodChanging the Stereotype
Follow us on FB: The Dad Evolution L3C
IG:walton.eric.tphone: 313-350-8995
2020WINTER
FORWARD
T H E M I C H I G A N A F F I L I A T E O F T H E A M E R I C A NC O L L E G E O F N U R S E - M I D W I V E S
J A N U A R Y 2 4 - J A N U A R Y 2 6 2 0 2 0
W E S T I N B O O K C A D I L L A C H O T E L , D E T R O I T M
C O N T A C T L E X I A T A J G A R B U S @ U M I C H . E D U F O RR E G I S T R A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N I
iDecide Teen Health Center
www.idecidedetroit.com
Butzel Family Center7737 Kercheval
Detroit, MI 48214HOURS
Monday - Friday 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
First and Third Saturday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Will see anyone regardless of insurance or ability to pay
YOUTH FRIENDLY | CONFIDENTIAL | WALK-INS WELCOME | FREE TRANSPORTATION
CALL 833-9-DECIDE
(located inside of)
BOWERS A FC INC . SUPPORTS ME TRO DE TROITMIDWIVES OF COLOR! !
"Let Our Familyhelp your Family"
Bowers AFC INC. is family-owned andoperated in Wayne County. Licensedthrough the State of Michigan and amember of the Michigan Assisted LivingAssociation. We service MI/DD clients.Since our company opened its doors in1998, we’ve treated every customer likethey were a part of our family. Our mottois "Let Our Family Help Your Family".Other companies may offer similarservices, but our services are the best,and come with a personal touch.
RESIDENTIAL AMENITIES
24 hr Services
Room and Board
Personal Care
Transportation
Clinical services
313-363-7018
Special Thanks EUNICE ERNST
DR. AMANDA PAQUET
DR. MARTINA T. CALDWELL
DR. THEODORE B. JONES
DR. MELVA CRAFT-BLACKSHEARE
ELITE THREE SIXTY BAND
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GOODBOY MULTIMEDIA
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"WE ARE THE WOMEN WE SERVE"
MDMOC.ORGMidwifery Week Gala 2019