Kenda Sutton-EL serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Birth In Color, hailing from rural Virginia. With a focus on Reproductive Sexual Justice, Birth Justice, Black Maternal Health, and combating Structural Racism, Kenda is a dedicated advocate for the rights of incarcerated pregnant individuals and fights against human rights violations. In addition to training people of color to become doulas and conducting racial bias training for healthcare systems and workers, Kenda is a true leader in the field. Kenda Sutton-EL has spearheaded initiatives to raise awareness and address disparities in Black Maternal Health in Virginia. Birth In Color is at the forefront of providing care for people of color and integrating doulas into the healthcare workforce. Holding a Bachelor’s in Health Science, Kenda also serves as a Doula Trainer, Diversity Equity Inclusion Consultant, and Policy Analyst. Kenda's contributions extend beyond Birth In Color, as she has participated in Vice President Kamala Harris's roundtable discussion on Reproductive Health and holds key leadership positions, including Chair of the Virginia Doula Taskforce, Chair of the Greater Richmond Regional Maternal Child Health Taskforce, and membership in the Virginia Maternal and Data Outcomes Taskforce and Pregnancy Services for Incarceration Workgroup. In 2019, Kenda played a pivotal role in establishing "Black Maternal Health Week" and led the campaign for Doula Medicaid Reimbursement in Virginia. Her relentless pursuit of reproductive justice aims to improve maternal health outcomes for women of color. Kenda's dedication has garnered recognition, including the creation of "Herstory" in partnership with Urban One Radio, and receiving prestigious awards such as the "Women of the Year" ACHI Magazine Award and the Urban One Hometown Hero Award in 2021. Most recently, in 2024, Kenda was honored as the Health Equity Advocate of the Year by Families USA, 2024 Women of Excellence by Congresswoman McClellan, and 2024 Healing Center Amplify Award Voices for Children.
