HCN Staff Spotlight: Iesha, BBHI Program Manager

There's a moment Iesha describes as the most fulfilling part of her work—when BBHI can show up in community and talk directly with the people they serve to learn more about their needs. Not from behind a desk, not through a form, but face to face, listening.

It's these moments that give meaning to the why.

As Program Manager of HCN's Black Birthing Health Initiative, Iesha leads a program born from an urgent need. Black birthing individuals face maternal mortality rates over three times higher than white mothers, a crisis rooted in systemic racism and generations of medical inequity. BBHI exists to challenge those systems and center the voices, needs, and healing of Black birthing individuals and their families.

Iesha came to this work through early childhood development and birthwork, roles that placed her at the intersection of systems, families, and healing.

What drew her to HCN was the organization's culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach—values that aligned with her commitment to honoring the unique needs of BIPOC communities. "I have always wanted to work in a space that honors the needs of BIPOC people and sees these needs as unique and specific to what they hold both intergenerationally and presently," she explains.

She's been with BBHI from the beginning, building it from the ground up with one guiding principle: "The clients we serve are no doubt the experts of their own experiences, and it is imperative that I make space for them to be seen, heard, and empowered to tell their stories."

Building Collective Care

No two days look the same for Iesha, but the constant theme is support. She supports her team in feeling equipped to meet the expectations of their roles. She supports clients throughout their healing journeys. She supports the program in collecting data that informs their ongoing work and problem-solving barriers to care.

Most importantly, she's focused on building what she calls a collective care culture. "We need each other to do this work," she says simply. It's reflected in her leadership style—transparency, collaboration, and trust. She's personable and empathetic while maintaining clear expectations. She wants people to feel supported and valued while being challenged to grow both personally and professionally. Her feedback feels constructive rather than critical, and she leads with gratitude for what people bring before suggesting how they can improve.

The work extends beyond direct services. BBHI connects with programs across San Francisco that are doing what Iesha calls "the heartwork" of challenging systems to do better by Black birthing individuals. It's about shifting culture, changing policies, and building networks of care that will outlast any single program or person.

A Legacy of Humanity

Iesha's vision for BBHI is both ambitious and grounded. She hopes to strengthen systems while centering humanity, to build something sustainable and responsive that remains accessible and rooted in community needs long after she's gone. "I hope that it becomes a well-known program that is sustainable, responsive, remaining accessible and rooted in the needs of the community, long after I am gone."

For anyone looking to make an impact in maternal and early childhood health, her advice cuts straight to what matters: Find your village—there's power in relationships and collaboration. Lean into your leadership and ask questions when you don't know. Preserve yourself through self-care and stay grounded in your why. Stay curious about the populations and communities you serve. And remember that the work you do is important and impactful, even when you can't see it in the moment. Change takes time, and every contribution to positive change matters.

Outside of work, Iesha prioritizes rest and reflection. She loves to sing, explore creative outlets, and spend time with friends and family. Sleeping is one of her favorite pastimes—not just because she needs it, but because she understands that to pour into others, you must first fill your own cup.

Why This Matters

At Homeless Children's Network, the work we do to support families experiencing homelessness, to center Black birthing individuals, to challenge systems and advocate for equity—none of it happens without dedicated staff like Iesha. Her leadership, her commitment to collective care, her ability to hold space for both clients and team members while keeping humanity at the center is what makes programs like BBHI work.

She represents the heart of what we believe: that healing happens when people are seen, heard, and empowered. That systems can change when we challenge them with both compassion and accountability. That building something lasting requires humility, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.

We're grateful to have Iesha leading BBHI and building something that will serve our community for years to come.

Support Iesha's Work and Programs Like BBHI

The impact of programs like BBHI depends on community support. If you believe in centering Black birthing individuals, challenging systems, and providing trauma-informed care to families experiencing homelessness, consider making a donation to help us continue this vital work.

Want to stay connected and learn more about how HCN is making a difference? Subscribe to our newsletter or email us at development@hcnkids.org for more information about getting involved.

Every contribution, every connection, every voice matters in building a more equitable future for the families we serve.