BIRTHCon 2026

This January, step into a space of renewal, empowerment, and purpose — where wellness meets advocacy and inspiration meets action. Designed for doulas, midwives, caregivers, and community wellness leaders, BIRTHCon 2026 is a transformative experience that invites you to reconnect with your mission, restore your spirit, and recharge for the year ahead. Expect a day filled with wellness and mindfulness sessions, networking with doulas, midwives, and community leaders, and practical tools to grow your practice while balancing your well-being — all surrounded by great food, meaningful dialogue, and restorative energy that will leave you refreshed and inspired to continue your vital work.

Host of BIRTHCon 2026

Karma Dickerson

Emmy Award–Winning Journalist & Community Advocate

Karma Dickerson is an Emmy Award–winning journalist, storyteller, and community advocate known for her dynamic presence and commitment to amplifying voices that matter. With years of experience in broadcast journalism and public engagement, Karma brings authenticity, warmth, and insight to every stage she graces. Her passion for elevating underrepresented voices and celebrating the power of healing makes her the perfect voice to lead this year’s transformative gathering.

Featuring Headline Speaker

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

Special Guest Speaker

Kenneth Morris Jr.

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great-grandson of Booker T. Washington. As Co-Founder and President of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), he continues his family’s legacy through education, advocacy, and social impact. A respected entrepreneur and humanitarian, Kenneth is dedicated to building strong children and ending systems of exploitation and oppression. Through FDFI, he leads national programs that combat human trafficking and promote empowerment through education.

Known for his authenticity and powerful voice, Kenneth inspires audiences

worldwide to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion.

Guest Speaker

Christina 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

Guest Speaker

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.

Guest Speaker

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.

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.

Culinary Artist, Innovator & Community Advocate

Chef Simone

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.

Partners

CEEM

Manly Handz

Method 78

Nova Works Corporation

The Red Carpet Living

🎟️ Tickets: $55

Your ticket includes full event access, brunch, and wellness activities — an immersive

experience designed to restore your mind, body, and business.

In addition, you are invited to donate above your ticket price to help bless and sustain our ongoing programs that restore, empower, and uplift doulas and care providers across our communities. Every extra contribution directly supports training, wellness retreats, and resources that keep birthworkers strong, skilled, and supported — because when we pour into them, they can pour into others. Together, we can advance the mission of "a doula on every block", creating a ripple of healing, advocacy, and restoration for generations to come.