Black Maternal Health: UNPACKING the Why and Birthing Black Joy

Join a special fireside chat featuring Odessa Fynn, a licensed midwife, and Dr. Leslie Harris, an OBGYN, both accomplished Black women who have lived and served the Brooklyn community. Together, they will share their invaluable insights and experiences on pregnancy, labor, and birth, aiming to empower expectant parents with the knowledge needed for a safe and joyous birthing experience.

Come ready to engage in an open dialogue, ask questions, and learn about the critical aspects of maternity care that prioritize the health and happiness of the family and community. This is a unique opportunity to gain wisdom from two passionate professionals who understand the challenges and joys of childbirth within our community.

About the Speakers:

Odessa Fynn is a licensed midwife with over ten years of experience in holistic care, including leadership roles. She is dedicated to providing equity-driven maternal and child healthcare through inspiration and accountability of the entire healthcare team. Odessa honors the sacredness of ancient midwifery practices, weaving together tradition and holistic care to support families through their childbirth journeys. Odessa believes in the power of the mind-body connection and the importance of personalized, culturally competent care that respects each client’s unique journey. Rooted in her passion for maternal health, Odessa combines her knowledge of traditional birthing practices with modern medical insights to create a nurturing environment for expectant families. She is committed to empowering families through client education and shared decision-making.

Odessa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hunter College and a Master of Science in Midwifery from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Odessa's service has been largely dedicated to structurally marginalized people - the muse for her midwifery prowess.

Dr. Leslie Harris believes that her work in Women's Health knows no bounds, as there are countless opportunities to make a meaningful impact. With twenty-four years of experience practicing OBGYN in New York City, she considers herself a public servant dedicated to ensuring access for clients facing societal and systemic barriers to care. Dr. Harris received her Medical Doctorate (MD) degree from UCLA in 1993. She has been a Board Certified OBGYN since 2001, after completing residency at Harlem Hospital. Recently in 2021, she acquired an Executive Masters in Public Administration (EMPA) for Public Service, from NYU-Wagner. Her primary focus is on dismantling the systems that contribute to reproductive injustices in communities of color. Given the current climate, she recognizes the urgent need to empower clients in innovative ways and to support their unique wellness journeys. As an advocate for Birth Equity and the celebration of Birthing Joy, Dr. Harris firmly believes that knowledge is power.

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