Summit Emcee
SEMPQIC Leadership
Our Mission at SEMPQIC is to reduce the disparity between Black and White adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes, including infant and maternal mortality, by creating a coordinated, equitable and sustainable network for perinatal care based on best practices, evidence based and innovative community solutions that will result in system changes and improved birth outcomes for all babies born in southeast Michigan.
THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THE SOLUTION!
This year marks the 10-year anniversary of SEMPQIC, a milestone in its unwavering commitment to advancing maternal and child health.
For a decade, SEMPQIC has provided leadership, coordination, and collaborative opportunities to address the root causes of perinatal inequities in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties. Through collective impact and system reform, the organization has worked to ensure that all birthing mothers, families and babies in these communities have the opportunity to achieve optimal health outcomes. This anniversary celebrates not only a decade of impact but also the ongoing dedication to building healthier, more equitable futures for families.
SEMPQIC 2015 – 2025
Then & Now
AWARDEES
-
Dean of Clinical Science, Professor of Clinical Medicine
Dr. George H. Shade Jr. has had a very rich and rewarding career in medicine. He is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist who earned his M.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine where he graduated with distinction. He completed his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine/Detroit Medical Center Affiliated Hospital Program and received the Outstanding Senior Resident award at graduation.
Dr. Shade holds the academic rank of Associate Professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Michigan State COM and the University of Medicine and Health Sciences–St Kitts. He has also had academic appointments with other medical schools affiliated with Ascension Health.
He brings his experience as the Director of Resident Education for St. John Health Detroit Riverview Hospital, Chief of OB/Gyn for several major hospitals in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, Specialist in Chief for the entire Detroit Medical Center, Chief Medical Officer at major hospitals in Michigan, Indiana and Detroit Community Health Connection, Inc. He has also served as Chief Quality Officer for the entire Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Shade has received numerous civic service awards and academic awards for scholarly achievement and teaching. He has served on state and local boards, hospital boards and committees. He has also been very active in the state and county medical societies in Michigan.
-
Robena Hill is a graduate of Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association’s (BMBFA) third class of community-based doulas, and she joined BMBFA as the Lead Home Visitor and Community-based Doula in 2018. She provides childbirth education and group parenting instruction, and she is a Black Mother’s Breastfeeding Club organizer. Robena is known for her resourcefulness and her commitment to the Detroit community. She is the co-secretary of the Metro Detroit/Wayne County Breastfeeding Coalition, and an IHI Detroit Momentum Lab Pregnancy Design Team Member. She is also actively involved in her children’s schools and is the former President of the PASCA – Local School Community Organization at John R. King Elementary/Middle School. Robena has a background in geriatrics, and her selflessness has carried over into her support of mothers in labor, birth, postpartum care, and breastfeeding.
-
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership M.A Early Childhood Education Certified community-Based Doula/Consulting
I am deeply passionate about my work in the community, tirelessly advocating for child development and maternal health. As a program manager, I’m passionate about inspiring others by crafting effective strategies and providing unwavering support to help them build quality initiatives. I believe in empowering employees and creating an environment where everyone feels confident to make decisions that elevate our program to new heights. Together, we can achieve greatness!
-
Leadership & Advocacy Award
-
Alethia Carr, is a native Detroiter, who retired as a public health administrator, and former Director of Michigan’s Maternal and Child Health Administration at MDHHS. Alethia is the Health Equity lead consultant to SEMPQIC, and works to improve the perinatal health system, through improvement of equity in health services and birthing outcomes. Alethia has worked as a public health consultant to a variety of states and national organizations since her full time retirement in 2013, with a focus on addressing health equity in perinatal care by recognizing the impact of the social determinants that impact health. Alethia believes all people are entitled to optimal health.
Alethia serves on several boards of directors, including: Kids Health Connection, a community based agency providing health support services to children and families in the tri-county area; and Oak Village C.A.R.E.S. , a community development corporation in Detroit. Additionally, she is an active, long time member of Oak Grove A.M.E. Church.
Alethia has a Master’s degree in Business Administration, is a Registered Dietitian and a former Food and Policy Fellow of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She is a wife, and mother to two adult children.
She has lived in Detroit, Michigan all her life, and traveled to nearly 40 states, many countries, and several continents.
-
Shirley Mann Gray, MSW, Public Health Division Administrator at the Detroit Health Department for Maternal Child Health programs, provides strategic leadership and operations to improve the health and well-being of women and children. With over 30 years of experience in maternal child health, social work hospital administration and management of clinical support services, Gray has distinguished herself as a compassionate leader and fervent advocate for women and children. Gray has been recognized by numerous organizations as an expert in maternal child health, child maltreatment, domestic violence, and patient-family centered care. As a result, Gray has been awarded countless awards for her work in these areas. Active in her community, Gray has served on the board of directors for several local and state governmental and nonprofit organizations that impact the delivery of quality, equitable services to families and communities. Gray is driven by a commitment to improving the lives, health and welfare of women and children. She has been appointed by multiple governors to serve on State of Michigan committees and Advisory Council. She serves as co-chair for the Wayne State University School of Social Work Board of Visitors.
Gray has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Tennessee State University and Wayne State University, respectively. Gray and her husband are very active in volunteering and community service in the City of Detroit where they live.
She and her husband have two adult daughters, who have followed in her footsteps by working in the social work, child and maternal health and mental health fields.
-
Theodore Jones, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Corewell Health Dearborn. Dr. Jones is also a member of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Division of Fetal Imaging in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak.
Dr. Jones is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta GA. He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas TX. He was a National Health Service Corp scholar and served three years in rural Arkansas (Pine Bluff) to satisfy his commitment. He completed his fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital. He was a faculty member at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1991 until his departure in 2017. While there, he had multiple administrative roles in the department over two decades, including serving twice as residency program director, division chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, associate chair for Education, and as interim chair. He also has been chief of Obstetrics for Hutzel Women’s Hospital. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for general Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Maternal Fetal Medicine, for which he served as a subspecialty board examiner for 18 years.
The Black Maternal Health Equity Summit
The Black Maternal Health Equity Summit is dedicated to advancing maternal and infant health in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
The focus for this year’s summit is ‘Back to Basics’ – a theme that will center and reaffirm the foundational principles of Black maternal health, reconnecting with the core values, practices, and community-driven solutions that have sustained us for generations.
Plenary Session Speakers
Currently serving as a Consultant to SEMPQIC, Dr. Cynthia Taueg is the former Vice President of Community Health Services for Ascension Southeast Michigan.
She is passionate about increasing access to programs and services that seek to prevent disease, improve quality of life and promote health equity. She serves on various boards including the Detroit Wayne County Integrated Health Network Board, Wayne State University College of Nursing Board of Visitors, Cabrini Clinic Advisory Board and Interfaith Health Equity Partnership of the Interfaith Leadership Council Cynthia graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), received a Master’s in public health (MPH) from the University of Michigan and Doctorate in Health Administration (DHA) from Central Michigan University.
A recipient of many local and national awards and honors, Dr Taueg resides in Detroit, is married and has two children and four grandchildren.
Dr. Renée Branch Canady serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPHI, a public health institute comprised of process and subject matter experts with a shared vision of a just world that is healthier for all. Dr. Canady is a relationship driven leader and author of the Amazon best seller book, “Room at the Table: A Leader’s Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice.” In this well-received book, Canady presents a leadership challenge to everyone seeking to understand the intricacies of equity and justice, pushing them to become change agents within health/public health and other fields.
Prior to joining MPHI, Dr. Canady served as Health Officer and Director of the Ingham County Health Department, located in Lansing, Michigan. In that role she oversaw the county’s statutory responsibility to protect and promote the health of county residents and lead the development of the innovative and nationally known, Ingham County Health Equity Social Justice program. Dr. Canady has held faculty and administrative positions at Michigan State University in the College of Nursing where she developed a research trajectory in maternal health and health inequities. She was an assistant professor in the C.S. Mott Department of Public Health, where she developed and chaired the Master of Public Health (MPH) core course “Health Equity for Public Health Practitioners.” Dr. Canady is recognized as a national thought leader in the areas of health inequities and disparities, cultural competence, and social justice. She has published and presented broadly on these topics and her passion for this work is evident in her personal, academic, and professional life. While serving on numerous national boards, review panels, and advisory groups, Dr. Canady has been highly influential in broadening the discussion of working across difference for the health of all.
Canady earned her PhD in Medical Sociology from Michigan State University, a master’s degree in public administration from Western Michigan University and bachelor’s degree in public health nutrition from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Dawn Shanafelt is the Director of the Division of Maternal & Infant Health and the Title V Maternal Child Health Program for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She serves as the Michigan Alliance for Innovation (MI AIM) Co-Chair, as well as on the leadership teams of numerous Maternal and Child Health Committees. She has over thirty years’ experience in maternal and child health in the non-profit sector, local and state governments. Dawn possesses undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Nursing from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Michigan. She is committed to assuring that the voices of families are heard and responded to.
Jasahn Larsosa is a Detroit-based nonprofit and philanthropic leader. He serves currently as Executive Director for GreenLight Detroit, a $5 million fund investing in social innovations to promote economic prosperity for Detroiters experiencing poverty.
He is Founder and Board President for Black Marriage Movement, a new nonprofit promoting generational wealth and healthy birthing outcomes for Black families. He and his wife are raising their three daughters, known online as the HerSheKissis, in a Detroit neighborhood.
Lived Experience (Community Voices)
In Their Own Words: Navigating Black Birth and Bias
Tiana Rodgers is a Mommy Ambassador for Black Women Breast Association. She is detail-oriented with a background in managing multiple tasks and responsibilities. Proficient in maintaining accurate records, managing schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Skilled in providing individualized care and support to children with diverse needs while fostering their emotional well-being and growth.
Aysa Imani Ziyad is a passionate Peer Advocate for Sister Friends. She is a Multidisciplinary artist turned devoted maternal and infant health advocate, with a community-rooted approach to birthwork, breastfeeding support and early childhood development. With over a decade of experience in creative,
educational, and administrative roles, she brings a unique blend of empathy, lived experience, and leadership to maternal and child wellness spaces. A proud mother, doula, and educator committed to advancing equity for Black mothers and babies.
Chris Porter is a husband, girl dad, brother, servant leader, and advocate for all things maternal and mental health. His focus is on changing the narrative of supportive partners in pregnancy and postpartum; and creating tools for healthy relationships. As union steward of a local union, he brings his expertise in leading groups in healthy discussion and helping them see other’s perspectives as co-facilitator of multiple fatherhood support groups. Chris, his wife, and daughter enjoy living, working, and playing in Detroit.
Data & Science
Numbers and Narratives; Data with Purpose
Yolanda R. Hill-Ashford, MSW is the Director of Public Health Programs for the City of Detroit, Detroit Health Department
Yolanda is results-oriented Public Health Leader with a passion for and record of accomplishment in maternal and child health, health equity and Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). Reputation for Building and staffing programs, providing leadership in collaboratives and communities to plan, monitor, and achieve their goals. Recognized for a strength-based leadership style that leverages the talents, skills, and knowledge of all team members to build a culture of inclusion, trust, accountability, and excellence.
Theodore Jones, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., is Director of Maternal Fetal Medicine at Corewell Health Dearborn. Dr. Jones is also a member of the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine and the Division of Fetal Imaging in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak.
Dr. Jones is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta GA. He received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas TX. He was a National Health Service Corp scholar and served three years in rural Arkansas (Pine Bluff) to satisfy his commitment. He completed his fellowship in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Wayne State University/Hutzel Hospital. He was a faculty member at Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1991 until his departure in 2017. While there, he had multiple administrative roles in the department over two decades, including serving twice as residency program director, division chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, associate chair for Education, and as interim chair. He also has been chief of Obstetrics for Hutzel Women’s Hospital. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for general Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as Maternal Fetal Medicine, for which he served as a subspecialty board examiner for 18 years.
Tools for the Field:
Advancing Equity on the Ground
Dr. Steven Ondersma is C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health in the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health at Michigan State University, and Director of the e-Health in Pregnancy (e-HELP) Lab. His primary interest is in population-level interventions promoting maternal and child health in underserved communities, particularly via technology-based brief interventions in the perinatal period. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (Division 37), former Editor of the journal Child Maltreatment, a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and currently serves on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. He previously co-chaired the Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome subgroup of the NIH’s Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) initiative. He has led multiple NIH and CDC-funded studies focusing on the development, validation, and implementation of novel screening techniques and digital interventions in healthcare settings. Dr. Ondersma is also leading development of the Computerized Intervention Authoring System (CIAS 3.0), an NIH-funded, non-commercial, open research resource facilitating development of interactive and sophisticated digital interventions for any platform without coding (available at www.cias.app). Applied uses of CIAS 3.0 include community-directed direct development of digital interventions through hackathon-style “Appathons” and a program integrating digital screening, feedback, and facilitation of service receipt into prenatal care clinics statewide (www.ht-2.org).
Kerisha Henderson, a full-spectrum doula from Detroit, epitomizes resilience and compassion in women's health and well-being. Her journey through teenage motherhood and multiple pregnancy losses fuels her mission to support mothers in achieving healthy births. As a mother of five in a blended family, Kerisha’s personal experiences offer a profound empathy for the women she mentors. Aspiring to become a midwife, she continues to inspire and support young mothers, using her past trauma as a tool for empowerment. Kerisha’s dedication to her community and her unwavering commitment to women’s health make her a reflection of hope and strength. Beyond her doula work, she is an advocate and educator for maternal health, speaking at events and leading workshops to educate and empower women. Her ability to turn personal trials into triumphs has made her a relatable and inspiring figure in her community.
Reginald Day is a Certified Lactation Counselor and Community Health Worker with over 15 years of experience serving families and specifically fathers. He is also Mental Health First Aid trained. Specializing in fatherhood and perinatal support, Reginald uses his experience to walk alongside families and fathers during the parenthood journey by supporting with coaching, community resources and connections.
By ensuring that the whole family is centered and that the SDoH needs are factored into the care of families, Reginald has made good use of his bachelor’s degree in Health Service Administration from University of Detroit Mercy along with his CLC and CHW certification. Having served as an administrator in home health for over 12 years he decided to follow his passion for serving and uplifting families. Over the years, Reginald has grown his community connections and shared his experience by participating in many local, state, and national conferences, ensuring that fathers are centered along with mom and baby in maternal and infant health care.
When he is not working and supporting families, Reginald enjoys being with his family whether outdoors enjoying nature or sharpening his photography and videography skills.
Alethia Carr, is a native Detroiter, who retired as a public health administrator, and former Director of Michigan’s Maternal and Child Health Administration at MDHHS. Alethia is the Health Equity lead consultant to SEMPQIC, and works to improve the perinatal health system, through improvement of equity in health services and birthing outcomes. Alethia has worked as a public health consultant to a variety of states and national organizations since her full time retirement in 2013, with a focus on addressing health equity in perinatal care by recognizing the impact of the social determinants that impact health. Alethia believes all people are entitled to optimal health.
Alethia serves on several boards of directors, including: Kids Health Connection, a community based agency providing health support services to children and families in the tri-county area; and Oak Village C.A.R.E.S. , a community development corporation in Detroit. Additionally, she is an active, long time member of Oak Grove A.M.E. Church.
Alethia has a Master’s degree in Business Administration, is a Registered Dietitian and a former Food and Policy Fellow of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. She is a wife, and mother to two adult children.
She has lived in Detroit, Michigan all her life, and traveled to nearly 40 states, many countries, and several continents.
