Meadow Brooks ’25 Recognized for Advocacy in Black Maternal Health

In recognition of her Diploma with Distinction capstone project, Silent Struggles: Unveiling the Crisis of Black Maternal and Infant Mortality, senior Meadow Brooks has been awarded the MOMbassador Next Gen Award by Coco Life and its MOMbassador Movement. This honor recognizes maternal and public health advocates who are dedicated to improving outcomes in Black maternal health through education, advocacy, and service.

Meadow’s inspiration for her project came during a trip to Pittsburgh where she attended a screening of the documentary The Ebony Canal. “The film shed light on the harsh realities of Black maternal and infant mortality through deeply personal stories of trauma and loss,” she shared. “Witnessing these stories moved me profoundly and sparked a desire to make a difference in my own community.”

After researching local efforts, Meadow connected with Coco Life Black, an organization that provides vital resources and support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. As part of her capstone, she not only conducted in-depth research on the crisis but also led awareness efforts among her peers. She mobilized classmates to volunteer and organized a successful donation drive for the organization’s Community Baby Shower, directly supporting local families in need.

“I learned many things from my research,” Meadow reflected. “Most importantly, I learned that unless every woman has the opportunity to receive quality healthcare during her pregnancy, the number of deaths of women and children will continue to grow—and the need for alternative resources to fill the gaps will be necessary. These women need advocacy and action from many communities, including medical, legal, legislative, and faith-based organizations to ensure equitable medical care becomes part of the fabric of our society.”

Meadow emphasized that impact can be made in many ways. “No act of service is insignificant,” she said. “My decision to become a nurse is rooted in my desire to help people. Beyond providing clinical care, I aspire to lead initiatives that address social determinants of health and advocate for underserved populations. Change begins with awareness but requires sustained action from individuals and communities alike. By combining education with service, I hope to continue working alongside others who share my vision for a healthier and more equitable world.”

Coco Life Founder and President Alexia Doumbouya praised Meadow’s contributions, writing, “Your resilience and compassion for others inspire us… We appreciate your dedication, intentional contributions, creative initiatives, and commitment to the community.”

In addition to the MOMBassador Next Gen Award, Meadow was recognized by TruMark Financial Credit Union with a "Difference Maker" Honorable Mention, which included a $350 scholarship.

Congratulations, Meadow, on this well-deserved recognition—and thank you for your commitment to creating lasting change.