Growing Equity from the Roots Up: Using HEIA to Cultivate Thriving Doula Communities

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*Available free for DONA Members (Feb 2026) as we celebrate Black History Month; available for purchase for members and non-members afterwards.*

Like a well-tended community garden, thriving doula programs require strong roots in community and careful cultivation. This interactive session explores how the Health Equity Impact Assessment (HEIA) tool can help doula programs grow from deep community roots toward unlimited heights of impact. Participants will learn to nurture equity from the ground up, identifying systemic barriers that may stunt growth, while developing strategies to help their programs/businesses flourish sustainably. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, attendees will cultivate practical skills for implementing HEIA in their own communities, ensuring their doula programs/businesses can weather challenges while reaching new heights of service, support, and impact. This session qualifies for 1.5 (DONA/DEI/CA-BRN) contact hours and was originally presented at the 2025 DONA Summit in Seattle, Washington.

SPEAKER

Tonya Daniel Read Bio

Tonya Daniel

Tonya Daniel is a seasoned advocate for maternal health, boasting nearly two decades of experience as a Public Health Maternal Health Program Manager, DONA certified birth doula and trainer, Lamaze certified childbirth educator and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. Her expertise spans globally, from training birth workers in the US, Kenya, and Kuwait to consulting on family-centered programs. With degrees in Sociology and Health Leadership, she leverages her diverse background to positively influence lives, offering crucial support to expectant families in North Carolina and advocating for better maternal and child health globally. Tonya’s passion is in program innovation. Her mission extends beyond borders as she collaborates with organizations (both public and private sectors) to enhance doula and breastfeeding advocacy, striving to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Yet, her ultimate joy lies in being a devoted wife and mother, marking her true legacy.