Meet Silkisha Sneed | Social/Reproductive Justice Activist & Full Spectrum Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Silkisha Sneed and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Silkisha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I first learned about the importance a Doula, I was extremely impressed and it sparked my interest. I loved the advocacy part of helping people of color, Black women and other marginalized individuals. But at the time, I was not ready to take that jump. I felt I was not ready to be that available and to take on that much responsibility. So I pocketed the idea of being a Doula. Fast forward, I was working a job as a Sexual Health Educator in the New York City neighborhoods for a year and was laid off due to the contract not being renewed. It was in that moment, I put the idea of being a Doula back on the table. It was interesting how corporate America can dispose individuals for the sake of their mission, with no sympathy for their personal lives. So, I decided to start my own business and invest in myself. It was important for me to live out my own mission statement. To help my people. So I invest in Doula training to freelance as a Doula.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, I work a full-time job managing a Teen Center proving a safe place for teenagers. I also work a per diem job job at a shelter for homeless and runaway teen girls, Including pregnant and mothers. And I am a Doula providing services by runing my Instagram page to bring Black maternal health awareness and birthing/pregnancy education. I also privide full Spectrum Doula services: Miscarriage, abortion, fertility, birth, postpartum and infant loss.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would suggest strolling Harlem, NY. So much beautiful Afro-centric art, Black owned businesses, African foods, African jewelry and so much more. The vibes in Harlem is just amazing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mentor Chanel Porchia-Albert, founder of Ancient Song Doula Services. She is the reason I learned the statistics of Black maternal health in America and New York City. I always admired her efforts to bring awareness and fight for political change for reproductive justice. Being trained under her organization was an honor and everyday I felt her passion and it was very inspiring for me.

Instagram: Doulafromthebx