Meet Cohort 2 Graduates

TaCori Hayes is a devoted wife and mother of three. She is a champion for equity in maternal healthcare and is committed to empowering families to reach their breastfeeding goals.

From working as a nurse in Pediatric Oncology to the Intensive Care Unit and Primary Care, TaCori has been an advocate, educator, and comforter for the most vulnerable populations. While pregnant with her first child, TaCori learned that her baby had Tetralogy of Fallot—a rare congenital heart defect. During her second pregnancy, she found herself carrying twins.

Throughout both journeys, TaCori realized the lack of representation showcasing Black mothers breastfeeding and Black breastfeeding educators. TaCori became what wasn’t available to her. She became the representation—the embodiment that "Black women breastfeed." With tenacity, she successfully breastfed her heart warrior and her twins for two years. She created a community and made support available so other mothers would not have to ask if it could be done.

TaCori’s unique experiences make her a relatable guide to families in various circumstances and a well-equipped resource to colleagues. TaCori currently works as a Registered Nurse and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant in both the hospital and the community. She educates families on infant feeding and supports them through parenthood. TaCori believes that Black motherhood should be protected and honored. She is actively working to enact policy changes at the local level and vows to continue being a cheerleader to those who need it most.

Personal Mantra: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Dr. Hannah Jayne Harris is a dedicated solo mom, registered yoga teacher (ERTY200, PRYT), full-spectrum doula, childbirth educator, and experienced gestational surrogate. She is also the founding executive director of a nonprofit organization and a college psychology teacher. Hannah holds a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on integrated healthcare.

When she's not in the classroom, delivery room, or yoga studio—whether teaching or learning—Hannah enjoys spending time in her garden, tending to her chickens, and working on small woodworking projects. She also finds peace and balance on her Ergatta, relishing the soothing sounds of swishing water during her workouts.

Personal Mantra: "When a man starts out to build a world, He starts first with himself And the faith that is in his heart - The strength there, The will to build." - Langston Hughes

Jacqueline Lambert is the Director of Let's Talk Cafe, licensed in 2016 by Baby Cafe USA, and the Owner and Operator of Inspirational Doula Services. She also serves as the Community-Based Doula Manager & Trainer with Health Connect One.

Jacqueline has been providing community-based support to women and children since 2005 and possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience. Mrs. Lambert holds several certifications: Certified Wellness Coach (CWC1) in 2021, Certified Lactation Educator (CLE) since 2014, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) in 2016, Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), and Full Spectrum Doula, offering doula services from preconception to end of life.

Mrs. Lambert is a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC), Appalachian Breastfeeding Network, MILK Research Community Advisory Board, Sunflower County CAN Chairperson, Bolivar County CAN Vice Chairperson, ROSE (Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere) Community Transformer, Health Connect One BELA Leader, Delta Breastfeeding Coalition, and Mississippi Birth Coalition. She is also on the Conference Planning Team with the United States Breastfeeding Committee and serves on the United States Breastfeeding Committee Membership Team.

Jacqueline graduated with an Associate Degree in Medical Assistance from Spencerian University, an AAS in Farm Management from Alcorn State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Ashworth University. She will graduate with a second Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services in May 2024.

Jacqueline’s life goals are to help families throughout the state of Mississippi make informed choices about infant and maternal care practices and to encourage and support young parents along their parenting journey.

Jacqueline received the Cultural Change-makers Award from the United States Breastfeeding Committee in 2019. She also received the WIC Loving Support Award from 2015 to 2017 for her breastfeeding services in Bolivar and Sunflower counties. In 2022, she received the Alpha Kappa Alpha Chi Mu Omega Chapter Health Service Award. In 2023, she received numerous awards in Bolivar and Sunflower counties from Delta Health Partners Tougaloo College CAN Boards.

Jacqueline is the proud wife of Andre Lambert and the mother of three children: Christopher, the late Andre Jr., and Andrianna. She is also the proud grandmother of three—Makaii, My’Laiah, and Chrissianna.

Personal Mantra: "If I can help someone along the way, then my living won't be in vain"

Shakeya Key is a dedicated mother of three residing in Portsmouth, Virginia. She is a passionate breastfeeding advocate within her community and serves as an educator and peer support for lactation.

Shakeya's journey into breastfeeding advocacy began in 2013, after the birth of her first daughter, Imani. Her passion for supporting other mothers deepened when she joined a pilot program initiated by Nurture, a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, aimed at creating more lactation educators within the community. This experience laid the foundation for her path in lactation education.

In 2018, Shakeya became a certified lactation counselor and has since continued to work with Nurture, providing support through social media and other platforms. She remains committed to advancing her expertise and plans to pursue becoming an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

Personal Mantra: Even if it seems that no one is listening, at least one person hears you and will carry on the knowledge. Each one, teach one.

Chereka Moore, MSN, RN, CCM, is a dedicated and compassionate registered nurse with nearly two decades of expertise in maternal care, chronically ill adults, and disabled children. As an emerging leader, she has effectively managed multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that promotes optimal outcomes. Her own challenging childbirth experience inspired her passion for advocating for maternal health. As a pioneer in this field, Chereka has championed initiatives to elevate the standard of care for expectant mothers. Throughout her career, she has not only provided hands-on, compassionate care but also assumed leadership roles to drive positive change in maternal health practices.

Chereka's devotion to advancing maternal health extends beyond the bedside; she actively participates in community outreach and educational initiatives to empower and educate women. With a commitment to cultural competence and sensitivity, she has sought to create an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment. In her leadership and engagement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, she is heavily involved in the development and implementation of DEI strategies, collaborating with stakeholders to create inclusive policies and practices.

Additionally, Chereka emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach by leveraging the power of fitness to enhance women’s health and well-being. By combining her passion for fitness and women’s health, she aims to inspire and support women, fostering a positive impact on their health outcomes.

Personal Mantra: Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create. 

Sanpri Purdy-Porter has been a licensed physical therapist in the state of North Carolina for over 18 years. In 2022, she added International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant to her credentials. Sanpri's passion for lactation care was ignited by reflecting on her own breastfeeding experiences. Recognizing that many Black parents have received subpar lactation support, she sought opportunities to advocate for change within her community.

With a long-standing career in the healthcare systems of the Greater Charlotte area, Sanpri has been serving as a lactation consultant for Atrium Health since September 2022. In addition to her role at Atrium Health, she is the founder of Expressed With Care Lactation Services, LLC, a private practice set to officially launch in 2024.

Personal Mantra(s): "I am a Champion" -  Carrie Underwood (When I doubt my abilities) 

"Good Morning, Gorgeous " - Mary J. Blige (When I doubt the beauty that radiates from inside out)

Charlotte Torres is a dynamic Breastfeeding Peer Counselor (PC), Community-Based Doula (CBD), and public health professional with over ten years of experience in data collection management and supporting families on their breastfeeding/chestfeeding journeys. As a Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Peer Counselor at UIC Mile Square Health Center WIC, Charlotte has provided one-on-one peer support, led support groups, and organized celebratory luncheons, all while earning her Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential. She also co-developed and co-facilitated lunch and learn sessions for faculty and clinic staff, promoting support and awareness of breastfeeding/chestfeeding within the communities they serve.

Charlotte is an active member of the Chicago Region Breastfeeding Task Force (CRBFTF) and serves as a HealthConnect One (HC One) representative for the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC). Currently, she holds the position of Lactation Program Manager and Trainer at HC One, where she co-facilitates Peer Counselor Trainings, conducts focus groups at the University of Chicago (U of C), and provides technical assistance and consulting to First Food Equity (FFE) partners, the Illinois State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program (ISPAN), and North Shore Hospital Systems. Charlotte is deeply committed to advocating for first food equity within BIPOC families and communities.

Personal Mantra: I am enough. You are enough. Period.