Ky has been a strong advocate for young children and families for more than 15 years. Prior to joining the HMHBGA team, Ky proudly served in leadership roles in the fields of early childhood development, K-12 education, community development and public policy. Her commitment to creating equitable access to vital resources for children and families has been present throughout her career spanning from her time supporting Congressman Sander Levin to elevating to leaderships roles for Lighthouse Academy, Read to a Child, 313Reads – Detroit’s Campaign for Grade Level Reading and LENA Research Foundation. As a person who has experienced generational poverty, inequities in healthcare and ACE’s, Ky’s “why” is grounded in her life’s journey. With the support of her 3 sons, husband and vast HMHBGA “village” she is committed to reducing maternal and infant health disparities because she believes the prioritization of the health of moms and babies is simply the right thing to do.

Leah Jones, a born and raised Louisville, Kentucky native, is a proud Black Mama, an avid Maternal Health Advocate and Birth Justice Activist. Leah is the Deputy Director for SisterSong Women Of Color, Reproductive Justice Collective and has dual roles within the organization, as Birth Justice and Internal Organizational Management are both her passion and strength. Leah came to SisterSong with six years’ previous experience in Wealth Management and Office Administration. After receiving a certification in Nonprofit Human Resources Management from Emory University, Leah was promoted to Deputy Director in 2017. As Deputy Director, Leah manages the Sistersong’s Legal Compliance, Finance, Human Resources, Operations and Birth Justice departments and works to facilitate a productive and cohesive environment for their staff, board members, interns and volunteers. She now proudly brings these skills and expertise to the Atlanta Doula Collective as our Board Chair.

Sekesa is a prominent and dedicated community leader in Georgia, renowned for her expertise in Black maternal health and the Birth Justice movement. As a passionate advocate for reproductive justice, she has collaborated with numerous organizations and local non-profit foundations to decolonize birth, reduce birth traumas, and restore natural birth rights to Black families. With nearly two decades of experience in perinatal support, Sekesa has developed a diverse range of skills and knowledge, working in various roles such a doula, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, midwife and currently as the Founder and Executive Director of the Atlanta Doula Collective. 

Sekesa is a multifaceted professional who has made a significant impact in the field of birth justice. As an accomplished author and curator, she has developed several training curricula, including the Maternal Health Awareness Training (also known as Advanced Doula Skills Training) and The Innerstanding Birthwork Training. Her commitment to promoting birth justice is further evident in her non-profit organization’s recent collaboration with other thought leaders to establish National Black Doula Day in 2024. This initiative has inspired Sekesa to expand her reach across the state as the Georgia Black Doula Network and Training Institute, where she offers a comprehensive nine-month beginner’s doula training program that includes professional development and mentorship. This program aims to increase representation of Black doulas in rural Georgia, particularly in identified healthcare deserts.. Through her unwavering dedication and perseverance, Sekesa has become a cherished and invaluable resource in her community. However, despite her many roles and titles, she values her role as a mother to her four children and a community mother to many above all.