Keynote Address by Shawnee Benton Gibson, LMSW/FDLC
Co-Founder of The ARIAH Foundation

Ms. Benton Gibson is a licensed practitioner with over 31 years of professional experience. She is also the Co-Founder of the ARIAH Foundation (The Advancement of Reproductive Innovation Through Artistry & Healing) which was created in memory of her eldest daughter, Shamony Makeba Gibson who passed away on October 6, 2019 due to complications associated with giving birth.

According to the America’s Health Rankings "Health of Women and Children 2021" report, nearly 23% of pregnant women in New York lack access to adequate prenatal care.

The severe maternal morbidity rate for black women is higher than the U.S. average.  In 2017, Black women accounted for 23% of the births in NYC, yet experienced 55% of maternal deaths. According to the NYC DOHMH, Black women in NYC are 12 times more likely to experience maternal deaths than their white counterparts.

Reversing these trends is an urgent problem.  We hope you will join us as we try to learn more, talk about the warning signs and figure out a better way forward.

Our 2023 Summit will bring together providers, policymakers, fathers, community members and all who have an interest in bringing an end to this preventable public health crisis in an engaging, educational, and informative day with special industry speakers, breakout sessions, networking opportunities and more.