Advocacy and Activism: Over the years, advocacy efforts aimed at improving healthcare access and addressing social injustices emerged within Black communities. These movements sought to dismantle systemic barriers, leading to greater awareness and mobilization around issues affecting infant health.
Maleka James, MPH, CD, is a dedicated community change agent and a leader in maternal and child health. As a mother and doula, she passionately advocates for policy and systemic changes that impact maternal and infant health. Professionally, Maleka has strengthened the community by developing and previously leading a task force aimed at eliminating disparities in birth outcomes and providing a unified response to the infant mortality crisis. Currently, she serves as the Infant & Child Wellness Initiatives Project Manager at Dayton Children’s Hospital, focusing on quality improvement efforts to reduce infant mortality and improve maternal health. Maleka holds a B.S. in Biology from Kentucky State University and a Master of Public Health from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She is an active member of several boards in the Dayton area. Maleka and her husband Christopher are proud parents of three beautiful children.