Letter From Our Founder & CEO

BIRTHCon 2026 was more than a gathering—it was a movement of hearts aligned around purpose.

On Saturday, January 24th, doulas, midwives, nurses, therapists, psychologists, sociologists, youth directors, wellness experts, educators, celebrity chef, spoken word artist, clergy, allies and supporters came together under one powerful theme: Relate. Relax. Recharge. And that is exactly what we did.

We related—by honoring the larger work of maternal health and telling the history that brought us here. We acknowledged the shoulders we stand on and the responsibility we carry forward.

We relaxed—by giving ourselves permission to breathe, to be poured into, and to remember that self-care is not a luxury in this work; it is a necessity.

We recharged—by building meaningful relationships, strengthening community, and reminding one another that we are remarkable.

To every speaker: thank you for sharing your wisdom, your expertise, and your lived experience. You did not just present information—you imparted vision and courage.

To our vendors and partners: thank you for believing in this mission and for bringing excellence and resources that support birth workers and families alike. Your presence helped make this experience holistic and impactful.

To our volunteers: your behind-the-scenes dedication reflects the very spirit of The Doula Mansion— collaboration, and community.

And to every participant who showed up—whether seasoned professional or student just beginning the journey—thank you. Your presence mattered. Your work matters. Your commitment to maternal health matters.

BIRTHCon is one of the three pillars of The Doula Mansion because we believe in honoring the work of doulas, midwives, and the circle of medical and non-medical. professionals who integrate together in service of families. We believe in birth justice. We believe in advocacy. And we believe that when birthworkers are supported, communities thrive.

Thank you for relating.

Thank you for relaxing.

Thank you for recharging.

Most of all, thank you for your love. The work continues and we rise together.

Best,

Carol Earley

Founder & CEO of The Doula Mansion

BIRTHCon Recap 2026 Video

Speakers

Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH

Founder & CEO, Sista Midwife Productions Named by ESSENCE Magazine as “The Midwife Shifting the Narrative,” Nicole Deggins is one of the nation’s leading birth advocacy experts. With nearly 30 years of experience inside the medical obstetrical system, she brings a powerful blend of clinical insight, community leadership, and cultural transformation.

As Chief Visionary Officer of Sista Midwife Productions (SMP), Nicole has trained thousands through programs like the Sista Midwife Birth Sister Training and Louisiana Healthy Birth Ambassador initiative, and she created the largest online Black Midwife and Doula Directories. Her groundbreaking work empowers communities, dismantles perinatal disparities, and uplifts a new generation of birth advocates and healers.

“Birth is the Revolution! And if we revolt — that is, rise up against the status quo and shift the way we think about conception, pregnancy, birth, and parenting — we can literally change the vibration of our community.”

— Nicole Deggins, Founder of Sista Midwife Productions

Chef Simone, Culinary Artist, Innovator & Community Advocate

Chef Simone is a celebrated culinary artist known for her creative approach to desserts that nourish both body and spirit. With a passion that extends far beyond the kitchen, Chef Simone is deeply committed to community, sustainability, and supporting local farms. She views every dessert as an opportunity to educate, inspire, and bring people together — transforming simple ingredients into meaningful experiences.

Chef Simone leaves her artistry, flavor, intention , and love in every bite.

Christine Cleary, ICCE, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), CBE

Founder & Lead Trainer

With over 30 years of experience supporting families and training doulas around the world, Christina Cleary is a DONA-certified doula trainer and childbirth educator known for her leadership in

advancing equity and compassion in birthwork. Through her organization, Birth Matters,

she has empowered thousands of doulas to serve with skill, awareness, and heart.

“When we train doulas with intention and heart, we strengthen birth equity and ripple change across communities.”

— Christina Cleary, Founder of Birth Matters

Dr. Nicole Kezos, PMH-C

Registered Psychological Assistant, Youtherapy Psychological Services

Dr. Nicole Kezos is a certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist devoted to helping individuals and families find purpose and healing through life’s transitions. At Youtherapy Psychological Services, she provides compassionate care to clients navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and perinatal loss. Through her integrative and heart-centered approach, Dr. Kezos guides parents and caregivers toward self-discovery, balance, and restoration — reminding us that healing the mind and spirit is an essential part of nurturing new life.

Irene Anderson CEO & Founder, Method 78

Irene Anderson is the CEO and Founder of Method 78, where she empowers individuals to achieve balance through movement, mindset, and motivation. As an experienced exercise coach and wellness strategist, Irene helps clients build strength and confidence by developing sustainable fitness and lifestyle habits. Her practical approach encourages others to align health, purpose, and performance for lasting results.

Dr. Tina Wright

KRISTINE (TINA) WRIGHT is an educator/sociologist, specializing in African American studies, social stratification (race, class, and gender), urban education, media, and popular culture. As an undergraduate, she attended UCLA and graduated with degrees in both Communication Studies (media emphasis) and Afro-American Studies. She received her doctorate in Sociology from the University of California, Irvine in 2005 and is currently a tenured faculty member at Los Angeles Southwest College. She has taught for 25 plus years at all levels of the California public school system: K-12, community colleges, California State University and the University of California. Dr. Wright is a trailblazing hip hop scholar in academia, creating one of the first hip hop centered Sociology courses at a R1 university in 2000. She is also a noted commentator and has been invited to speak at numerous events to discuss hip hop, race, class, gender, media, youth political mobilization, and social justice more broadly. Wright serves on the board of two organizations, Hip Hop Congress (hiphopcongress.com) and CEEM (CEEM.coop).

She is also the joint owner of JOLO Investments, LLC and the administrator and co-trustee of UTN (utn360.org), a 501(c)3 charity supporting service minded individuals and community organizations working to empower Black/Brown communities through hip hop pedagogy, cultural literacy, media literacy, and community activism/artivism. She has also published a book, 360°: A Blueprint to Black Self-Determination. 360° provides a hip-hop centered analysis of society's racialized history and a blueprint to actualize Black liberation.

In terms of her personal passion for hip hop, Wright states: "While I grew up with hip hop (literally) and will forever appreciate its artistic expressions, for me hip hop has and always will be foremost about the people it represents and our struggle for cultural, social and political freedom."

Spoken Word Artist & Social Change Advocate

Larry Love

Larry Love is a dynamic professional spoken word artist whose powerful performances ignite reflection, unity, and transformation. Through his commanding delivery and evocative storytelling, Larry uses poetry as a platform for truth — highlighting the urgent need for social change and collective healing. Larry's signature blend of passion and purpose to the stage, reminds us that words can move hearts, shift perspectives, and inspire communities toward lasting impact.

Partners

CEEM

Manly Handz

Method 78

Nova Works Corporation

The Red Carpet Living