Creating Lasting Change: Celebrating nearly three decades of Helping Babies, Moms, and Families
Sherita Bullock's 27-year journey at Healthy Baby Network exemplifies the power of
consistency and dedication in creating meaningful change. Through her role as Executive
Director, she has brought about a transformative impact on the lives of parents and families
in the community. Her unwavering commitment, collaborative spirit, and innovative
approach have laid the foundation for a healthier, more nurturing future. Sherita's rise
through the ranks and remarkable legacy is a testament to the profound difference one
individual can make when driven by a genuine passion to create positive change.
Empowering Parents:
Sherita firmly believes in the power of education and support for parents. Her personal
journey with her child Dasia was traumatic since she was born prematurely and had to
spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). That experience immediately
sparked her passion and drove her to start working as an Administrative Assistant at the
Perinatal Network of Monroe County which had about 7 employees and eventually grew intoHealthy Baby Network with more than 20 employees. Over the years Sherita and the team
have implemented innovative programs and initiatives that empower parents with the
knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges of parenthood. Through
workshops, seminars, and community resources, the HBN team has helped parents build
strong foundations for their children's well-being, ensuring a brighter future for generations
to come.
Collaborative Approach:
One of Sherita's greatest strengths lies in her ability to build and nurture partnerships.
Recognizing that creating lasting change requires collective effort, she has forged
collaborations with healthcare providers, community organizations, and stakeholders. This
collaborative approach has not only expanded the reach of Healthy Baby Network's services
but has also created a network of support for families throughout the community.
Recognition and Impact:
Sherita Bullock's outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed. As a valued member of the Healthy Baby Network team, she played a pivotal role in significantly elevating the
percentage of mothers who choose to initiate breastfeeding. In 2013, the team helped set a
new world record for the most women breastfeeding simultaneously around the world.
From 1996 to 2018, the breastfeeding percentage rose from 58% to an impressive 82%.
Moreover, in 2023, Sherita’s team took the lead in establishing our highly successful
Community Based Doula Program. Through this plan, they have meticulously tracked data
on breastfeeding rates for 135 births within a span of 18 months, achieving an outstanding
92% rate of breastfeeding initiation. Sherita is also a member of the Black Doula
Collaborative which is a culturally responsive, evidence-based intervention program that
mitigates the impacts of structural racism.
Two new initiatives are our Fatherhood and Reentry Programs which are specifically tailored for Black Fathers in the inner city. They are unique and valuable programs that recognizes the importance of supporting and empowering fathers within their specific cultural and community context. These programs provide guidance, resources, and a supportive network to help black fathers thrive in their role as active and involved parents.
Under Sherita's leadership, Healthy Baby Network has witnessed a profound transformation.
Her visionary approach and strategic initiatives have resulted in tangible improvements in
the lives of countless families. Through her consistent efforts, she has fostered a nurturing
environment where every parent in the community has access to vital information and
support needed to bring a healthy baby into a loving home.
Her tireless work and unwavering dedication have earned her the accolades of her peers andthe gratitude of the families she has touched. The impact she has made extends far beyond
the walls of Healthy Baby Network, positively influencing the community as a whole.
Sherita's legacy is one that will continue to inspire and uplift for years to come.
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