Lastascia Coleman CNM, MSN, ARNP, FACNM is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa. She is the Program Director for the Nurse-Midwifery Education Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Iowa College of Public Health in Health Management and Policy. She was chosen to join the fifth cohort of the Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Research Scholars program. She is the President of March for Moms, a non-profit organization that works with community-based organizations serving BIPOC birthing communities, helping them build capacity for their work.

Keshia Fields, CDP is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving as the Diversity, Inclusion, and Organizational Development Specialist for Polk County, Iowa. In this role, she has initiated impactful programs, such as the county's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee, and led a Belonging Survey to gather employee insights. These efforts have shaped policies and programs aimed at fostering inclusivity, belonging, and professional growth. Her leadership also extends to community engagement, coordinating events like the Welcoming Week Free Community Meal and Resource Fair to celebrate unity and inclusivity.

Previously, Keshia served as the Inclusion and Equity Specialist for Johnson County, Iowa, where she contributed to strategic equity initiatives, participated in the county's Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and earned a BRAVO Award for her impactful work. She also played a pivotal role in organizing Juneteenth celebrations, furthering cultural awareness and community connection. Keshia’s work reflects her unwavering commitment to creating environments where all individuals feel valued and empowered.

Lynette Cooper DNP, ARNP, FNP-C is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Educator at The University of Iowa.  She has an array of experience caring for patients across the lifespan and in a variety of settings including Women's Health, NICU, Urgent Care, and Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. She is especially passionate about addressing the effects of health disparities on marginalized communities, in general, and Black women and children, in particular. Her research interests include implicit bias in healthcare, social determinants of health, and reproductive justice. 

LaTasha J. DeLoach stands as a beacon of empowerment and community building, with her career rooted in social justice and advocacy. As the Director of the City of Iowa City Senior Center, she leads with a vision to enhance the lives of diverse residents over 50, fostering environments where engagement and wellness thrive. Her dedication to social work is further evidenced by her significant roles as co-founder of impactful organizations like Sankofa Outreach Connection, Black Women’s Maternal Health Collective, and The Sound of LaLa Land, each reflecting her unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and advocating for women and girls of color.

LaTasha's career includes a decade as a Community Projects Specialist at Johnson County Social Services, where she also served as the Johnson Disproportionate Minority Contact coordinator and the Community Partnerships for Protecting Children coordinator. She is an alum of the 2018-2019 National Juvenile Justice Network Fellow in the Youth Leadership Institute. She has played a crucial role as interim Chair of the State of Iowa Disproportionate Minority Contact Committee, helping to establish a  statewide subcommittee focused on Black Girls in Juvenile Justice. Her advocacy extends fiercely towards families, older adults, and especially women and young women of color in Iowa.

A trailblazer in her own right, she shattered barriers as the first Black woman in three decades elected to any county position, and she founded the area's inaugural Juneteenth celebration, steering it with passion for eight years. At Johnson County Social Services, she spearheaded transformative programs for children and families, fostering empowerment and growth for a decade. With a Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa, she lends her expertise to the inaugural University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown Campus Advisory Board, and serves with distinction on the boards of the UNESCO City of Literature - Iowa City and the Community Foundation of Johnson County and many other boards and committees. Driven by a deep-seated passion for social justice, LaTasha inspires a tidal change towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, advocacy, and the belief that true leadership leaves no one behind.

Monique Galpin is an administrative services manager, mother, and co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Collective. Her interest in cultural affairs and civic engagement has led to service ranging from chairing a community police review board, reproductive health clinic, and nonprofit cinema organization. BMHC was an important educational space and support system during her motherhood journey, and she wants to ensure that other birthing people also have access to empowerment and advocacy resources.

Sofia DeMartino, MBA, is an accomplished nonprofit leader, consultant, and advocate with a proven track record of driving change through strategic leadership and innovative solutions. As the executive director and co-founder of the Black Maternal Health Collective, Sofia has dedicated her career to addressing disparities in maternal healthcare and improving outcomes for Black mothers. Since its establishment in 2019, the organization has focused on advocacy, education, research, and providing scholarships for students pursuing careers in medical fields such as nursing, midwifery, and obstetrics.

Prior to her work with the Black Maternal Health Collective, Sofia served as Executive Director of Elder Services, Inc., where she led initiatives to enhance quality of life for older adults. Her extensive background includes roles in nonprofit management, professional leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reflecting her commitment to fostering equitable opportunities for all.