Integrate • Diversify • Retain • Educate • Activate • Mentor

“The origin story for the Workforce Leadership Readiness Learning Lab began with the call-to-action theme titled “Rise Up, Sister! Ambassador© in July 2020 with our digital marketing consultant and evolved from piloting our Community Mentors program in 2022 for the Black Mamas Glowing faculty to equipping Black women supervisors, managers, and directors with skill-building tools and elevating the employee experience under our watch as healthcare systems change leaders.”

BEC | Cedars-Sinai Black-Led Organization (BLO) Healthcare Workforce Grant 2024-206

BEC | Cedars-Sinai Black-Led Organization (BLO) Healthcare Workforce Grant 2024-206

“The Black Equity Collective is proud to support i.D.R.E.A.M. for Racial Health Equity and their enduring work to address the maternal and infant mortality crisis. Coach V and her incredible team are not only raising awareness they are equipping advocates and health professionals to serve as equity champions, using durable, community-centered strategies that drive lasting change.”

Felicia Jones, Managing Director of Programs & Operations, Social Good Solutions and the Black Equity Collective.

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Workforce Leadership Readiness 2026 Retreat Champion

“Working with i.D.R.E.A.M. built my confidence as an early career professional while fostering a shared commitment to protect and uplift Black women and their families.”

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Workforce Leadership Readiness 2026 Retreat Curator Vision 2030 Manifesto Curator

“I give supreme thanks to all of the sacred wombs that came before me and allowed my life to be possible. I consider the i.D.R.E.A.M. community as yet another sacred womb that holds and nourishes me and allows me to do the same!”

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Workforce Leadership Readiness 2026 Retreat Workshop Facilitator

“My relationship with i.D.R.E.A.M. has been cultivated over two decades when Ms. Wenonah, became a mentor as I was learning to navigate work and life as a single parent at the time when the work with Black Infant Mortality was coming to the forefront and she began working with Black Birthing Mom’s, pouring into my life, and shifting my path as I earned my doctorate in psychology.

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Workforce Leadership Readiness Wellness Coach Vision 2030 Manifesto Editor

“Bearing witness to i.D.R.E.A.M.’s trajectory from the Pasadena Birthing Project to where we are today has been a parallel process in reclaiming and fine tuning my personal and professional identity while also giving back to others who look just like me, so they can be better stewards of their own lives as they(we), unapologetically stand with and for our community, bridging the generations, compassionately, and informed by interdisciplinary expertise and commitment.”

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Workforce Leadership Readiness 2026 Retreat Keynote

“Since that initial meeting at USC years ago, I have benefited from your focus on institutional and intergenerational partnerships to promote equity and improve the health and well-being of Black people.”

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Workforce Leadership Readiness Learning Lab Fall 2025 Cohort Healthcare Systems Change Leader Roundtable

“Attending WLR Session 2 reminded me of the importance of making a good first impression in the workplace… the onus is on the leadership of the organization to establish and put into action on-boarding processes that can positively influence a new employee’s future experiences on the job.”

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Workforce Leadership Readiness 2026 Retreat Champion

“Amber was introduced to i.D.R.E.A.M’s work through the African-American Infant and Maternal Mortality Prevention Initiative Village Fund, where she came to deeply appreciate the thoughtful, experienced leadership of Wenonah Valentine (“Coach V”) and the organization’s role as a guiding lighthouse for emerging CBOs in the birthwork and health equity spaces. Through her engagement with i.D.R.E.A.M, Amber’s work has been meaningfully strengthened, and she continues to carry forward the organizational wisdom gained under Coach V’s 30-year tenure as executive director.”
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Workforce Leadership Readiness 2026 Retreat Champion OB Physician Strategist

“The link between understanding different communities and language with i.D.R.E.A.M. began when Wenonah and I crossed paths at a critical time with Covid and the murder of George Floyd. Our mutual respect and passion for learning synergistically enhanced our listening skills, creating sage spaces to heal, and grow from our work together.”
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Workforce Leadership Readiness Learning Lab Fall 2025 Cohort Healthcare Systems Change Leader Roundtable

“Attending WLR Session 2 reminded me of the importance of making a good first impression in the workplace… the onus is on the leadership of the organization to establish and put into action on-boarding processes that can positively influence a new employee’s future experiences on the job.”

Workforce Leadership Readiness Learning Lab Fall 2025 Cohort

“The Workforce Leadership Readiness Lab has given me the tools to identify the leader within myself and champion the leader within others. Inspirational leaders are good at lifting others up. They acknowledge their team’s contribution by celebrating their wins. They are also strength-based problem solvers. Their sense of purpose influences others and bring about positive changes in their workplace. I look forward to uplifting and celebrating the wins of future leaders.”

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“Workforce development is ultimately about people, not positions. When we design learning spaces rooted in curiosity, transparency, and community and intentionally uplift Black women leaders, we create pathways that build confidence, deepen alignment, and sustain leadership.”

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“I learned that asking for help from more experienced colleagues is essential and consistently leaning into your strengths is beneficial. You have to continue to professionally develop to that you can continue to pour into your mentee(s) and others.”

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“Great leadership starts with knowing yourself and shows up in how you care, communicate, and support people as they grow beyond day one.”

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“Our work affirms that Black maternal health equity is built through community, care, and joy when Black women are supported as leaders and nurtured as whole people, healthier outcomes follow for families and communities.”

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“Leadership is less about authority and more about creating space for people to thrive and achieve together.”
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“The biggest takeaway for me is that I need to get better at developing boundaries. I was reminded to ground myself in order to make space, time, and energy for bigger picture tasks and activities.”
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“Being a leader is not just about holding a title; it involves both the body and mind. Creating a safe space for people to learn and grow isn’t defined by a job description but by the support and positive influence one providers. It’s important to recognize my identity and skills so that I can support others without losing my own voice. Rather than sitting back and waiting, I aim to enhance the atmosphere I occupy through clear communication and openness, ensuring that my co-workers and mentees feel safe asking for support.”
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“Great leadership stars with knowing yourself and shows up in how you care, communicate, and support people as they grow beyond day one.”
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“”It is a wonderful and rewarding opportunity to be a part of i.D.R.E.A.M. to nurture and bridge the legacy with what is happening now and what the future holds. It is filled with hope and possibilities that have been untapped.”