In this episode, host Deitre Epps of RACE for Equity speaks again with three remarkable members of the Lived Experience Advisory Group (The LEAGUE™)—Courtnie Carter, Maya Jackson, and Megan McKenzie. Together, they reflect on their five-year journey, which began with a maternal telehealth project during the pandemic and grew into impactful advocacy for maternal health equity. Listen as they share how their voices shaped decisions, broke barriers in professional spaces, and earned recognition, including awards for their groundbreaking contributions. Discover actionable insights on sustaining community voices in Maternal Health Task Forces, from meaningful compensation to long-term involvement and professional development opportunities.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

Join Dietre Epps, CEO of RACE for Equity, as she engages with Maya Jackson, Courtnie Carter, and Megan McKenzie from the Lived Experience Advisory Group, known as The LEAGUE™. In this episode, the group discusses the critical role that community voices play in shaping maternal health policies. They share their journeys, challenges, and the importance of centering lived experiences in developing effective, empathetic strategies for maternal health. Learn what it takes to truly support those with lived experience, from creating flexible, accessible environments to ensuring that contributions are valued and reflected in policy-making.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.

In this episode, host Deitre Epps, CEO and Founder of RACE for Equity, is joined by maternal health advocates Megan McKenzie and Courtnie Carter to discuss the transformative role of Lived Experience Advisory Groups, known as The LEAGUE™, in advancing maternal health equity. Megan and Courtney share their personal journeys as members of The LEAGUE™, reflecting on how their lived experiences during COVID-19 and their advocacy for maternal mental health have shaped their work and their understanding of the needs within the maternal health system. They explore how states can benefit from including voices with firsthand experience on Maternal Health Task Forces and discuss practical ways to engage communities, foster trust, and create meaningful change. This episode marks the launch of a three-part series diving into the importance of lived experience in shaping maternal health policy and practice through The LEAGUE™ model, RACE for Equity’s innovative approach to community engagement and maternal health advisory.

Learn more about us, explore our resource center and find support for all maternal health professionals at MaternalHealthLearning.org or MaternalHealthPodcast.org. Maternal Health Innovation is a product of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and is produced by Earfluence.

Music provided by Graham Makes.

MHLIC collaborates with many organizations and people for content such as the podcasts, videos, and webinar series. The statements, information, and opinions shared may not reflect MHLIC and MHLIC partners. Our team strives to hold ourselves and invited experts accountable, and will address violations to our values and overall mission. Read our full disclaimer here.