As the founder of BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) and recipient of a 2025 Leadership Award by The James Irvine Foundation, Shantay R. Davies-Balch (BA ’15) is on a mission to improve Black maternal, infant and community health by connecting families to resources, providing health education and offering culturally affirming support through community health advocates and doulas.
The loss of her mother to preventable breast cancer and her own experience with preterm births, despite taking every precaution, deeply motivated her to advocate for Black maternal health and community wellness.
A VISION FOR CHANGE
In 2005, while still working in a corporate role, Shantay became a birth assistant and later trained as a doula. Recognizing the urgent need for change, she initiated Fresno's first Black Maternal Health Week, aligning with the national effort led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. This experience ignited her passion to address the critical health disparities impacting Black women and families, particularly around infant mortality, preterm birth and maternal mortality prevention.
Maternal and child heath issues are particularly pervasive among Black people locally and across the nation. In Fresno, Black women experience preterm birth at 13.5%, compared to 9% for white women.
Numerous studies have documented the benefits for all women of having a doula present during labor, according to the American Pregnancy Association. The doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor or has recently given birth. With their support, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience, according to the APA website.
In 2017, Shantay began planning the BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center (BWPC) as a direct response to these issues. When the pandemic hit, she collaborated with community organizations to lead the African American Coalition (AAC), focusing on health equity gaps, expanding COVID-19 testing and ensuring vaccine access—work that continues today.
In 2021, she launched the BLACK Doula Network (BDN) to increase access to culturally competent doula care. BDN has trained 10 Black doulas, more than tripling the number of Black doulas serving Fresno County. “My mission has always been to ensure that Black mothers and families receive the care, support and advocacy they deserve,” Shantay shares.
IMPROVING MATERNAL HEALTH
Staff at BWPC are excited to launch the BLACK Pregnancy Care Support program this year, offering expectant moms guidance, health education and opportunities for community building. The program will be led by a certified nurse midwife, doulas and community health advocates.
BWPC isbuilding the BLACK Doula Network (BDN) to close the doula provider gap in the Central Valley and build the infrastructure needed to support doulas long term. The BDN offers one of California's most comprehensive, culturally appropriate doula training programs, including 125 hours of curriculum and hospital observation hours to prepare doulas to serve families. This is the first program in the region to establish formal agreements for integrating doulas into healthcare systems. Proper training enhances maternal health outcomes, reduces preterm birth rates and lowers the risk of maternal and infant mortality.
LOOKING AHEAD, EMPOWERING DECISION MAKERS
Looking ahead, BWPC plans to establish a full-service women’s health and birthing center to further address systemic inequities.
“We envision a future where women, particularly those from marginalized communities, have equitable access to high-quality care and resources to thrive. At BWPC, we unapologetically advocate for Black moms—from hospital rooms to state policy—to ensure they have decision-making power in their care,” says Shantay.
Helping people access the information they need to make the best choices for themselves is a big part of what makes her work so meaningful.
"It's about being part of that journey," she shares. "Life comes with trauma, pain and challenges, but the ability to take knowledge and use it to shape a better future is what matters."
A TRANSFORMATIVE RECOGNITION FOR VALLEY HEALTH
Shantay Davies-Balch's dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year she was honored with the prestigious James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award, a recognition that she describes as deeply meaningful both personally and professionally.
This award, which includes $350,000 to further BWPC’s mission, reflects not only her efforts but also the dedication of her incredible team, the community they serve and the stakeholders they partner with Shantay says. This recognition is particularly significant for the Central Valley, she adds, as it highlights the importance of investing in organizations that address the region’s challenges.
When systems improve for those facing the greatest disparities, everyone benefits, Shantay says. Her story is a testament to the power of advocacy, resilience and the belief that no mom or baby should die from preventable causes.
In the Central Valley and beyond, BWPC is transforming health outcomes and creating a future where every Black mom, baby and family can thrive.
Photo credit to Chase Daley.