About Us

Preserving Legacy. Advancing Equity. Empowering Generations.

Dr. Natashia L. Conner, PhD, MPhil, MS, BS, AAB, IBCLC, is a public health scholar, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, author, and visionary founder of The Conner Equity Hub Foundation.

Her life’s journey—from navigating poverty and early caregiving to becoming a global health equity scholar—shapes the work of the Hub. She has led across government, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions, always centering the voices of Black families and the communities most affected by inequities.

The name “Conner” is placed at the center as both a personal namesake and a declaration of heritage. It reflects Dr. Conner’s commitment to build a living legacy—a structure that honors the past, responds to the present, and secures a just future for generations.

“This work is my promise: to ensure every family can thrive, every voice is valued, and every story is preserved.” — Dr. Natashia Conner

To preserve legacy, advance equity, and empower generations through advocacy, research, healing, education, and storytelling rooted in Black maternal–infant health and community justice.

Mission & Vision

MISSION

A world where every family has equitable access to health, healing, and dignity, and where generational wealth, knowledge, and justice flow into Black communities as a living inheritance.

VISION

Core Values / Pillars

INTERGRITY

We lead with transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship of resources and trust.

EQUITY

We confront bias and dismantle barriers in lactation, maternal–infant health, and community wellbeing.

LEGACY

We protect intellectual property, center heritage, and build structures that endure across generations.

KNOWLEDGE

We translate scholarship into training, policy insights, and tools for families, providers, and advocates.

HEALING

We hold space for holistic care—cultural humility, whole-person support, and community restoration.

Board & Leadership

Leadership Anchored in Community

Dr. Natashia L. Conner — Founder & Executive Steward, Public health scholar, IBCLC, equity strategist, and author. Visionary behind the Foundation’s ecosystem and legacy trust.
Dr. Vanessa Mejia — Board Chair, Sexual health expert, and Certified Lactation Counselor
Brandi Erskine, LPCC — Board Co-Chair, Regional Director for Rural Health, specializes in maternal and infant health, substance abuse counseling, and community resilience.
Ashley Duke, LISW-S — Board Member, Mental Health Director, Clinical social worker, therapist, and owner of Elite Supportive Living Services, leading mental health equity initiatives.
Terrance Marshall — Board Member, Marketing & Media Advisor, Founder of Shanghai Photography; specializes in culturally relevant storytelling and visual advocacy.
Dr. Stephanie Bolden, DNP, FNP-C — Board Member, Cardiovascular Health Advisor, Nurse practitioner and academic leader with over 25 years in healthcare, wellness, and nursing education.
Calvin Williams — Board Member, Fatherhood Advisor, Community advocate for father engagement and family stability in underserved communities.
Rhonda Ball — Board Member, Medicaid Policy Advisor, Expert in Medicaid systems and equity-driven healthcare policy navigation.

Impact at a Glance

Our work is rooted in results—measured not just in numbers, but in the lives touched and systems changed.

🍼 1,500+ families served through perinatal social support, newborn care closet, and safe sleep campaigns.

🎓 200k+ professionals trained in breastfeeding equity, DEI, and public health workshops.

🎤 20+ national and international presentations delivered by Dr. Conner on equity and maternal–infant health.

📖 6 published works (memoirs, guides, and scholarly publications) documenting and amplifying Black maternal health stories.

🎨 Rootwork Project launched to empower youth voices through art and advocacy.

🌍 Collaborations with 20+ organizations, including hospitals, universities, grassroots nonprofits, and global conferences.