March of Dimes Hosts Inspiring Event Uniting Voices for Maternal Health

Inspiring Change: March of Dimes' "The Collective"

On October 17, 2025, March of Dimes hosted a unique gathering titled "The Collective" in New York City as part of its ongoing It Starts With Mom campaign. This remarkable brunch brought together an influential group of women, including acclaimed author and TV personality Porsha Williams, Janai Norman from ABC's Good Morning America, and NBC4's Natalie Pasquarella, for deep and heartfelt discussions centered on maternal and infant health.

The event was designed to create an empowering atmosphere where personal experiences could be shared and transformed into actionable change within the community. With Pasquarella serving as the emcee, the audience enjoyed a thought-provoking morning, driven by stories and discussions highlighting the importance of maternal health.

The panel discussion, titled "From Personal to Powerful: Stories Driving Change for Moms and Babies," was moderated by Janai Norman. It featured a poignant conversation where panelists shared their narratives intertwined with their professional missions. Joining Williams on stage were Adrianna Carrig, who is known as the founder and chief brand officer of the Little Words Project; Dr. May Lee Tjoa, who holds a key position at Johnson & Johnson; and Elizabeth Caulder, CEO of Phoenix Lifestyle Marketing Group.

Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, made a powerful statement, saying, "Every statistic we talk about, whether regarding preterm birth or maternal mortality, represents a family, a mom, a baby who deserves the best possible start." This sentiment underlined the urgency and importance of the initiative, reminding peers and advocates of the work yet to be done to improve maternal and infant health across the board.

Throughout the panel discussion, both the emotional and professional journeys were highlighted by each speaker. Williams spoke passionately about her advocacy for maternal health, emphasizing that every woman's story needs to be heard. She articulated, "We can't fix what we won't face. I'm honored to stand with March of Dimes and share my story. When we speak out, we help others feel seen, heard, and empowered to push for better care." This call to action particularly resonated as participants acknowledged the specific challenges faced by Black mothers in their experiences with healthcare.

The event underscored a collective commitment to fighting for the health of all mothers and babies. Various sponsors supported "The Collective," demonstrating an essential collaborative spirit behind the initiatives of March of Dimes. Notable partners included Johnson & Johnson, The Honest Company, and Momcozy, which emphasized the collective responsibility towards maternal health advocacy.

In addition to the discussions on maternal health, the event also featured unique interactive and creative moments from brands like Little Words Project and Crayola Flowers. Such activities contributed to a vibrant atmosphere of hope and engagement, allowing attendees to further connect with the mission and its various facets.

As America continues to grapple with high rates of maternal mortality and preterm birth, the message from "The Collective" was one of resilience, unity, and action. March of Dimes remains dedicated to addressing these disparities through research, education, advocacy, and collaborative programs.

To get engaged and learn more about their initiatives, visit marchofdimes.org/itstartswithmom. The overarching theme from the day highlighted that behind every statistic, there lies a family that affects the broader community, reinforcing the belief that everyone can contribute to nurturing a healthier future for families and communities at large.