We had the good fortune of connecting with Athena Gabriella Guice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Athena Gabriella, how does your business help the community?
Birth and reproductive justice encompass the fundamental rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health, including the decision to conceive, carry a pregnancy to term, postpartum with resources, and parent with dignity and autonomy… Though the framework relies on both the Birth Justice & Reproductive Justice frameworks, there is a unique social impact… My work helps the community and world by centering freedom, justice, and equity. Birth & Reproductive justice acknowledges the intersections of race, class, gender identity, and other social determinants of health that impact access to reproductive & perinatal healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities.

A large part of my work centers on legislative advocacy and organizing which are paramount in advancing birth and reproductive justice because laws and policies profoundly shape individuals’ ability to access comprehensive healthcare, including prenatal care, childbirth options, and reproductive services. Engineering community-based solutions rely on teaching doulas, birth workers, and stakeholders about the legislative process- this is crucial as it empowers them to advocate for policies that prioritize equitable access to reproductive/maternal healthcare, challenge systemic barriers, and address disparities in maternal health outcomes. By equipping these advocates with knowledge of legislative processes and strategies, they can effectively engage policymakers, influence decision-making, and champion policies that promote birth & reproductive justice for all individuals and families.

For example, this year our community was introduced to SB 372, or the “State Certified Doulas” bill by Senator Rosalind Osgood who just happens to be my State Senator. As her constituent, I have been extremely concerned about the way my State Senator approached this bill without an adequate understanding of the landscape and historical implications of her bill proposal which aims to regulate the practice of doulas in Florida throughout the state, with the purported intention of improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

However, amidst its well-meaning objectives, some inherent dangers and challenges must be considered. One significant concern is the potential for limited accessibility. Regulations imposed by SB 372 could erect barriers to entry for individuals aspiring to become doulas, disproportionately impacting minority and economically disadvantaged communities and hindering access to doula services for those who stand to benefit the most. Moreover, compliance with regulatory requirements, such as mandated training and certification, may lead to increased costs for aspiring doulas, rendering doula care less accessible to individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This could exacerbate existing disparities in maternal and infant healthcare access and outcomes, undermining the bill’s purported goal of improving overall health outcomes.

Furthermore, the proposed legislation risks stifling the diversity of doula approaches and philosophies. Doulas bring a wealth of varied techniques and supportive practices to their work, tailored to meet the unique needs of pregnant individuals during childbirth. However, strict regulations could homogenize doula care, potentially limiting the variety of supportive techniques and approaches available to birthing individuals. Additionally, the certification process outlined in SB 372 may introduce biases, potentially marginalizing certain cultural or community-specific practices integral to doula care. These considerations underscore the importance of careful deliberation and engagement with diverse perspectives within the doula community before implementing regulatory measures that could have far-reaching consequences on maternal and infant healthcare access and outcomes in Florida. My work supports the community and the world by building the much-needed bridge between legislative advocacy and doulas in Florida as we show the world how integral doulas are to the birth & reproductive health/justice movement.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in Tampa, Florida but raised in Broward County, South Florida. My International Baccalaureate student journey accelerated when I enrolled in the College Academy at Broward College at the age of 16 pursuing a path to become a Physician’s Assistant. At 17 years old, I co-founded a Broward College chapter of Dream Defenders, a (now national) social justice organization that centers an anti-oppressive vision away from prisons, deportation, and war – and towards healthcare, housing, jobs, and movement for all. I became curious about what building power meant and if my interest in policy, civic engagement, and organizing was more than just an interest. By the age of 18, I served as the chapter’s Vice President, organizing around the school-to-prison pipeline to center educational reform, and earned my Associate’s degree in Biology… I learned, shortly around this time, that I no longer wanted to pursue the PA path or a clinical role in healthcare, but wanted to explore community-based healthcare opportunities and pathways.

At 18 years old, while debating which path to take, I became one of the youngest instructional staff for Broward County Public Schools supporting as an assistant educator and substitute teacher. I became a mother the following year to my first daughter which prompted me to ask why there weren’t more accessible perinatal (specifically postpartum and lactation) resources in my community. Many women in my community became drawn to me as I became known for my peer lactation support, education-based content, and vulnerability about the journey of motherhood as a 19-year-old Black and Puerto Rican. A few mothers recommended I explore a path as a doula, maternal health therapist or lactation consultant… I began studying reproductive health and maternal mental health inequities to address my community’s perinatal needs within the scope of a Doula’s practice reluctantly as I had no idea why my community kept encouraging me to serve in this capacity, but continued responding to the call to serve from a community-based scope. In 2016, I founded my Doula practice, Hija Del Sol Birth Services, furthering my lactation and postpartum advocacy efforts within the birth justice, reproductive health, and maternal wellness space in South Florida (Broward, Miami, and Palm Beach). Shortly after, I joined the YMCA of South Florida’s Health Innovations & Strategies team in Historical Sistrunk of Fort Lauderdale to focus on maternal health projects and community health worker programs geared toward addressing Fort Lauderdale health inequities until the pandemic.

During the pandemic, I began to build my own Full Spectrum Doula training program utilizing a blend of traditional doula education, evidence-based practices, birth and reproductive justice principles, and a Community Perinatal health worker aiming to build the community doula “workforce.” I continued to offer Full Spectrum Doula support despite the uncertainty, continued engaging in community advocacy efforts, and was asked to serve in the Florida House of Representatives as a District and Legislative Aide for House District 99 by a local lawmaker. While attending Florida International University to pursue a Bachelors in Psychology and Communications, I worked with hundreds of Florida stakeholders both in and out of the Florida Legislature to imagine equitable solutions that served marginalized groups in our district, advocate for the voiceless, and prioritize everyday Floridians. I was recognized for my “sincere professionalism and dedication to service” and honored by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators Legislative Staff Leadership Council as ‘Top 22 of 2022.’ As a Black and Puerto Rican mother of two Afro-Caribbean daughters, my commitment to maternal & and reproductive activism is deeply rooted in my passion for navigating language & and policy, my heritage, my career as a doula, and my conviction to collaboratively build toward a more equitable future through developing legislative alliances between local, statewide, national, and global stakeholders. I will always believe there is a future to fight for.

What sets me apart is that I truly value collaborative opportunities over competitive ones; I am eager to explore potential avenues for collaboration between a myriad of organizations, leveraging my expertise in navigating language and policy, my background as a community organizer and doula, and my dedication to building legislative alliances to protect reproductive rights. I truly believe that by working together and standing together in solidarity, we can make significant strides in advancing reproductive health access and justice. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss potential collaborations further and contribute to the important work of the Reproductive Health Access Project’s Network in Organizing & Advocacy as the newest Senior Program Coordinator for the Eastern and Central Region of The United States.

I help the world every day whether it is my local Broward, Florida, national, or global community by honoring and answering the calling to service.The journey of service is the destination.

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.
Get ready to embark on the ultimate South Florida escapade with your favorite Broward County Belle!

We’ll kick off our adventure with some serious beach vibes, whether it’s catching waves at Fort Lauderdale Beach or lounging in the sun at Hollywood Beach. For a taste of history and culture, we’ll delve into the vibrant community of Sistrunk, exploring the African American Research Library and immersing ourselves in local events. Now, let’s talk foodie delights – from the savory flavors of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine at La Empanada Loca to the tantalizing Leche de Tigre at Bravo Peruvian Cuisine and the soul-soothing Jamaican dishes at Donna’s, our taste buds are in for a treat. And when the sun sets, it’s time to hit the Miami nightlife scene, whether you’re grooving to Afro-Caribbean beats at Amour or soaking in the smooth sounds of jazz at one of Miami’s hidden gems courtesy of MiamiJazzBooking.

With each day promising new adventures and unforgettable experiences, get ready to discover the magic of South Florida, 954-style!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Maya Angelou once said, “I come as one, but I stand as ten thousand,” and this is the quintessential quote that represents how deeply indebted I am to those who have forever changed my life… from teachers to writers- when you see me, the light is that I stand with my community, my Ancestors, as well as my descendants. It is through these connections that I have found strength, support, a sense of belonging, and the courage to stay true to the unique path I’m on… In reflecting on my journey, I am profoundly grateful for the multitude of individuals, institutions, and organizations that have shaped my path and propelled me forward. I am a proud Black & Puerto Rican, Floridian mother, and much of my writing and work comes from a lens of service.

From the foundational experiences at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School (IB World School) to the transformative spaces of the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), each encounter has been a catalyst for growth and empowerment. The nurturing environment of College Academy @ Broward College and the advocacy work of The Dream Defenders has instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and social justice &responsibility. I am indebted to Broward County Public Schools, the YMCA of South Florida, and the vibrant community of the Sistrunk Corridor for their unwavering support, opportunities to serve, and guidance.

Throughout my near-decade as a Community Full Spectrum Doula serving others with my practice, through my Radical Rebirth Doula Rites of Passage (Perinatal HealthWorker Program), through our Birth & Repro justice organizing, and even my legislative experience with the Florida Legislature, I have stayed true to the power of collective action and solidarity.

The recognition goes to the writers and to the voices of Good Moms Bad Choices, Hip Latina, Aja Monet, Maya Angelou, Assata Shakur, Lolita Lebron, Don Pedro Albizu Campos, Malcolm X, Afeni Shakur, Tupac Shakur, Dr. Angela Davis, and countless others who have deeply impacted my story and I extend my heartfelt appreciation.

In the words of Assata Shakur, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win,” and I carry the spirit of resilience and determination with me as I continue to navigate this journey toward freedom.

Website: hijadelsolbirths.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourdoulatraining/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/athena-guice/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/athena.gabriella.37/

Youtube: @radicalrebirthdoula

Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/hijadelsolbirths Instagram: @Athena4Florida

Image Credits
All photos provided by Athena Guice (Photos by Athena Guice and Allan Amiraly)

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