Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) is a Kwanzaa principle that means collective work and responsibility, to build and maintain our community together.
About Us
Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit organization established to address the Black Maternal and Infant health crisis in the state of Arkansas experienced by Black (expectant) mothers. Black birth workers and maternal advocates are dedicated to making positive impacts within the birthing community to help ensure Black mothers survive and thrive during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experiences with advocacy, support and safety.
UMN was founded in 2018 on the third day of Kwanzaa, Ujima, and adopted the principle of doing collective work to build and maintain a healthy community. In 2020 Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. officially became a 501(c)3 non profit organization in the state of Arkansas. Our goal is to build our community with skilled birth workers, including Black midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants throughout the state of Arkansas. We believe that expanding our professional network in the state will aid in the reduction of Black maternal and infant mortality in the state of Arkansas.
THE VISION
Reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Arkansas by reclaiming birth autonomy for women of color through collective work and responsibility of the healthcare system, doulas and midwives of color, and the communities most impacted by birth and birth related mortalities.
THE MISSION
We train BIPOC birth professionals as doulas and lactation counselors to reach the most marginalized maternal community. We provide free monthly outreaches to increase access to support and community advocacy.
THE TEAM
Nicolle FletcherCo-Founder, Visionary, & Executive Director
Nicolle is the owner of Nurturing Arrows Birth Services, where she serves as a certified labor doula, lactation counselor, childbirth educator, apprentice midwife. Nicolle is a natural gatherer and community champion. As the visionary of Ujima Maternity Network, doula trainer, mentor, public policy advocate, and speaker, Nicolle is committed to bringing realistic solutions to address the maternal healthcare crisis. Since 2009, she has actively contributed to the birth community, championing positive birth experiences and outcomes for women across Arkansas. Nicolle's multifaceted roles not only encompass direct support for birthing individuals but also extend to training and mentoring aspiring doulas, advocating for public policies, and sharing her expertise as a speaker. |
Regina ChatenCo-Founder & MCCO Director
Regina Chaten is a certified doula and peer lactation support specialist, owning Regina Chaten Doula Services.
She embarked on her doula journey in 2019 with Nurturing Arrows Birth Services. Additionally, as a founding member of the Ujima Maternity Network, Regina actively contributes to enhancing birth experiences and outcomes for all mothers, primarily through community education, doula services, doula mentorship, and support initiatives. |
Sarita HendrixCo-Founder & Doula Training Coordinator
Sarita Hendrix is the owner of Unity Birth and Lactation Services, where she serves as a certified birth doula, lactation counselor, and apprentice midwife. Sarita began her journey in lactation support with the Arkansas Department of Health in 2012 as a WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, expanding her expertise into doula support in 2017.
As a founding member of the Ujima Maternity Network, Sarita is committed to fostering community collaboration and empowerment. Sarita's strives to be the guiding village for families during the transformative journey of birth and lactation. |
Founding Members of Ujima Maternity Network, inc.
Nicolle Fletcher, Sarita Hendrix, Amber White, Regina Chaten, Shenika Reed, Erika Davis, & Shakia Jackson