About Us
Our organization is dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes and providing support to families affected by maternal loss.
Founded by Wanda Irving after the tragic death of her daughter, our mission is to advocate for equitable care and eliminate the barriers contributing to high maternal mortality rates, particularly in the Black community.
Our work is driven by a commitment to ensuring that every mother receives the care, support, and respect she deserves throughout her pregnancy and beyond.
We hope you will join us in our mission to create a world where every mother and family can thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in maternal health outcomes and support those affected by maternal loss.
Through research, advocacy, and community empowerment, we strive to address the multifaceted obstacles mothers and families face, especially within marginalized communities.
Meet Dr. Shalon Irving
On January 28, 2017, the world lost a remarkable individual when Dr. Shalon Irving tragically passed away from complications after giving birth to her daughter.
Dr. Shalon was a brilliant scientist and a passionate advocate for improving community health. With two master’s degrees and a dual-subject Ph.D., she significantly contributed to public health research, particularly in understanding the structural inequities that impact health outcomes.
Dr. Shalon was known for her humor, kindness, and down-to-earth nature. She approached life with a zeal for adventure and cherished every moment. After years of fertility treatments, her journey to motherhood was met with overwhelming joy. Naming her daughter Soleil, meaning sun in French, Dr. Shalon expressed the indescribable mixed emotions of impending motherhood.
Despite her professional success and robust support network, Dr. Shalon faced significant risks during pregnancy and childbirth simply because she was a Black woman. At 36 years old, just three weeks after giving birth, she tragically succumbed to complications of high blood pressure.
Dr. Shalon's legacy lives on through the work of Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project. She leaves behind a devoted village of friends and family members, including her mother, who continue to honor her memory. Dr. Shalon's story is not merely a statistic; she inspires us to create a brighter future for Black mothers.
Dr. Shalon's legacy lives on through the work of Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project.
Dr. Shalon leaves behind a devoted village of friends and family members, including her mother, who continue to honor her memory.
Dr. Shalon's story is not merely a statistic; she inspires us to create a brighter future for Black mothers.
