Friday, October 30, 2026 | ALL DAY

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

1 Seminole Way | Hollywood, FL 33314

Welcome!

On behalf of the Broward Healthy Start Coalition, we are privileged to extend a warm invitation to the 2026 Maternal & Child Health Conference. As we gather on October 30, 2026, we’ll embark on a journey that underscores the vital importance of maternal health in shaping the well-being of our communities.

Maternal health lies at the heart of our mission. Broward Healthy Start Coalition has promoted that mission for more than 30 years. It is not merely a topic of discussion; it is a beacon guiding our efforts to create a healthier, more resilient future. Let us reflect on its significance:

Empowering Mothers: A healthy mother is the cornerstone of a thriving family. When mothers receive proper care during pregnancy and childbirth, they are better equipped to nurture their children, fostering a cycle of well-being that extends across generations.
Reducing Disparities: We recognize that maternal health disparities persist, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. By addressing these inequities head-on, we can ensure that every mother receives the care she deserves, regardless of her background or circumstances.
Early Intervention: Prenatal care and early intervention play pivotal roles in preventing complications and promoting positive outcomes. Our collective commitment to education, awareness, and accessible services can make a profound difference.
Holistic Approach: Maternal health encompasses physical, emotional, and social well-being. Let us explore holistic approaches that consider medical aspects, mental health, nutrition, and social support.
Advocacy and Collaboration: As advocates, we have the power to influence policies, allocate resources, and amplify mothers’ voices. Collaborating across sectors can create an environment where maternal health thrives.

We’ll stand united—healthcare professionals, home visitors, case managers, and social workers—all committed to advancing maternal and child health. Let this conference catalyze change, ignite conversations, foster connections, and continue the journey of “Healing Legacies & Changing Futures.”

Meet Our Presenters

Emcee

Nicole Deggins, CNM, MSN, MPH, is a nationally recognized maternal health strategist, founder of Sista Midwife Productions, and creator of the nation’s largest online directories for Black midwives and doulas, with more than 30 years of experience advancing maternal health and birth outcomes.

Keynote

Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW / FLDC, is the CEO of Spirit of A Woman (S.O.W.) Leadership Development Institute and the Co-Founder of the ARIAH Foundation. She has over 34 years of administrative, clinical and executive coaching experience and expertise in women’s leadership, youth development, reproductive justice, racial equity, individual, couples, family and group counseling, trauma and bereavement. Shawnee is the subject of the Emmy-nominated documentary “Aftershock”. The film follows her and her family as they fight for reproductive justice in the wake of the tragic and preventable death of Shawnee’s eldest daughter, Shamony Makeba Gibson, due to a birth-related pulmonary embolism.

Presenter

Mark T. Jansen, M.D., serves as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and brings decades of experience in family medicine, medical education, and healthcare leadership.

Presenter

B.J. DeVelle, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 20 years of experience serving children and families, specializing in men’s issues, relationship counseling, and mental health across educational, community, and clinical settings.

Presenter

Dr. Sasha Davidson, MD, MBA, is a double board-certified Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist and OB/GYN, and Founder of Signature Perinatal Center. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Department of OB/GYN at Broward Health Medical Center and is committed to advancing maternal health and patient-centered care.

Presenter

Qiana Cressman is the Interim CEO of Centering Healthcare Institute, where she leads efforts to expand access to relationship-centered healthcare models. With more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership, she is dedicated to advancing community-centered strategies that improve health outcomes.

Presenter

Mary Fitzmaurice, MSN, CNM, is Senior Director at Centering Healthcare Institute, where she leads the growth and expansion of the Centering model nationwide. A Certified Nurse-Midwife with more than 25 years of healthcare experience, she is passionate about improving health outcomes through person-centered care.

Presenter

Jennie Joseph is a British-trained midwife, maternal health advocate, and founder of Commonsense Childbirth Inc.. She created The JJ Way®, an evidence-based model of maternity care focused on improving birth outcomes and advancing perinatal equity. Jennie was recognized as a TIME Woman of the Year in 2022 for her contributions to maternal health.

Presenter

Sharon Hesseltine, BSW, is President and CEO of Intentional Development and a nationally recognized public health leader with more than 40 years of experience advancing recovery support services, women’s health, and community-based systems of care.

Presenter

Susan Nyamora, MSW, NCPRSS, CRPS-A, is President & CEO of South Florida Wellness Network, Inc. and a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health recovery and peer support. Drawing on both lived and professional experience, she works to advance recovery-oriented services, peer workforce development, and community wellness.

Panelist

Dr. Timothy Quinn De Santis is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist with more than 30 years of experience in women’s health, medical education, and clinical leadership. He currently serves as Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Memorial Regional Hospital and is dedicated to advancing high-quality, patient-centered care and improving maternal health outcomes throughout South Florida.

Panelist

Dr. Vargabi Ghei, is a board-certified neonatologist and NICU Medical Director at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital who specializes in quality improvement, patient safety, and advancing equitable, family-centered care for newborns and their families.

Panelist

Amanda Lopez Rojas, RN, BS, CLC, LCCE, ITDS, is a maternal and child health professional with 26 years of experience supporting families. She has directed the Healthy Start Program at Memorial Healthcare System for the past 17 years and serves on the Board of Directors of Lamaze International, advancing evidence-based maternal health education and care.

Panelist

Eric “Progress” Thomas, is a licensed accountant, founder of Prominent Consulting Services and A Brick A Day Foundation, and community advocate dedicated to advancing financial literacy, fatherhood support, youth development, and service to underserved communities.

Panelist

Nicole Morin, is a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and Healthy Connections Project Manager at Broward Healthy Start Coalition who is dedicated to connecting individuals and families with peer support, treatment services, and resources that promote recovery, resilience, and long-term wellness.

Panelist

Sulaya Williams, is a maternal wellness advocate, certified doula, and founder of Strictly Roots Doula Services who works to advance equitable maternal and child health outcomes through holistic support, education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Panelist

Ann Emmonette, CNM, is a Certified Nurse Midwife with more than 20 years of nursing experience and over a decade dedicated to women’s healthcare. Since becoming a midwife in 2013, she has provided compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse populations, including individuals from under-resourced communities and those navigating complex medical and social needs. Her practice is grounded in a commitment to equitable and person-centered care that supports the health and well-being of women and families across the lifespan.

Panelist

Samantha Rooney, BSN, RN, NCC-CEFM, RNC-OB, is the Nurse Manager of Labor and Delivery at Broward Health Medical Center and a maternal health leader dedicated to advancing obstetric safety, nursing education, and high-quality outcomes for mothers and babies.