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March of Dimes Hosts 'The Collective'

On October 18, 2025, March of Dimes orchestrated a groundbreaking event known as 'The Collective' in New York City, aimed at addressing the pressing issues affecting maternal and infant health. This innovative brunch brought together a diverse group of influential women, including television personality and author Porsha Williams, alongside Janai Norman from Good Morning America and Natalie Pasquarella from NBC4 New York/WNBC. The gathering served as a platform for heartfelt discussions centered around motherhood and resilience.

The event was part of March of Dimes' pivotal campaign, It Starts With Mom, which emphasizes the importance of personal stories in driving systemic change. Moderated by Natalie Pasquarella, the discussions focused on transformative narratives that underline the need for improvements in maternal healthcare. The panel featured engaging discussions on personal experiences with maternal health issues and how these lived experiences can serve as catalysts for actionable change.

Porsha Williams, a member of March of Dimes' Celebrity Advocate Council, shared her deep commitment to raising awareness about maternal health. She voiced her concerns about high rates of maternal mortality and preterm births, stating, "Every statistic we discuss, be it preterm birth or maternal mortality, represents a family that deserves the best start possible. It is crucial that we listen to women's stories and unite our efforts to make a difference." Williams' poignant remarks highlighted the impact of advocacy on empowering mothers to advocate for better healthcare.

The event panel included prominent figures such as Adrianna Carrig, founder and CBO of Little Words Project, and Dr. May Lee Tjoa, Senior Leader of Global Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson. The speakers shared their personal journeys that led them to become advocates in the field of maternal health. For instance, Carrig recounted her potent experiences with neonatal intensive care units, and Dr. Tjoa illuminated the importance of innovation in maternal-fetal medicine.

"We cannot rectify what we do not confront," stated Williams, reinforcing that discussing these critical issues helps marginalize voices feel visible and empowered to demand quality care. The event's narrative focused on unity among advocates, emphasizing the importance of pursuing solutions that address the medical disparities in maternal health, especially for women of color.

Supporting March of Dimes' mission were several partners, including headline sponsor Johnson & Johnson, along with supporting sponsors like The Honest Company and Momcozy. Other notable partners included Garrison Financial Group and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The collaborative efforts were celebrated as powerful examples of thought leadership translating into actionable solutions for mothers and families.

As the nation grapples with disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and preterm birth, March of Dimes stresses the urgency of its mission through education, research, advocacy, and community programs. The Collective serves not only as a celebration of the shared stories of these women but also as a rallying call for supporting all families in achieving a healthy future. Each statistic reflects a real family, reminding all participants of their critical role in ensuring that every mother and baby is provided with the best chance at health and success.

For those looking to get involved or seek further information, March of Dimes encourages visits to their website at marchofdimes.org/itstartswithmom, where they highlight their ongoing initiatives to bolster maternal and infant health across the country.