How We Started
the Birth Nerd. INc Was Founded by Dannaca daniel who's inspiration to start a nonprofit organization, camE from.HEr Focus to savE Black women’s lives. not only do statistics show that Black womEn's maternal mortality rate is 3 timEs that of white women, and worsening with the COVID-19 pandemic, but shE also advocatEs for thEir rights duE to HEr own experience as a Black birthing woman.
our amazing Team
Treasurer/Trustee
Secretary
Family support Specialist
Vice President/Community Outreach Director/Grant Writer
Vice President/Director of Women’s Health Education
Michael Kemp
Marayah Tellez
Sydney Gray
Asia Atkinson
Brandy Brown
My name is Asia Atkinson, and I am your Director of Community Outreach! Here at The Birth Nerd, Inc., I plan to combine my love for children and education to help spread awareness, and bring attention to issues surrounding Black mothers and the maternal mortality rate. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health from San Diego State University. I am currently pursuing a career in medicine at California State University San Marcos, where I am enrolled in the Pre-Health Professions Post Baccalaureate program. Giving back is something that I am truly passionate about, and I can’t wait to serve and interact with my community.
My name is Brandy Brown, and I am your Director of Women’s Health Education! Women’s Health became my passion over time, starting when I was a child, watching my mother navigate medical school and eventually a career as a physician. With her as my inspiration, I went on to UCLA for undergraduate studies, majoring in World Arts and Cultures and Sports Medicine. During my Junior year, I had my beautiful daughter, and through my child birthing experience, in addition to my breastfeeding journey, my passion for Women’s Health expanded to include Childbirth and Lactation Education. After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I attended Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science and completed the Enhanced Post Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Pre-Medicine. As a single mother at the time, I decided to put medical school on hold and enter the workforce where I spent years in Labor and Delivery, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, and--for the past 5 years--the department of Reproductive Endocrinology & Fertility at a prominent fertility research institution here in Los Angeles, CA. Since then, I have transitioned out of the workforce and focused my efforts on Women’s Health Education and Advocacy. I am currently a Certified Lactation Educator and a pre-certified Birth Doula on my way to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Additionally, I am in the Master of Public Health degree program at the University of California Los Angeles. Here at The Borth Nerd, Inc., I will provide support in a number of areas including fertility, family planning, reproduction, sexual health, childbirth, breastfeeding, and so much more!
My name is Sydney, and I am your Family Support Specialist here at The Birth Nerd, Inc! I made the
choice to become a part of this organization after an impactful experience I had in the summer of 2020 working with expectant and parenting mothers at a maternity home in Ohio. This experience allowed me to shape my purpose and focus on my overall goal of promoting the well-being of women through various forms of social support, such as providing assistance and supporting them in their goals. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown me that although people are apart, it is still important to foster meaningful
relationships with one another, and I would like to demonstrate that through my involvement in this
organization. Additionally, I am also pursuing my Master’s of Social Work degree at California State
University, Long Beach in hopes of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialization in
maternal mental health.
