Stronger Together: Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Equity and Elevating Black Businesses
Illyasha "Illy" Peete, MBA
Senior Executive in Strategic Healthcare Access and Equity; Organizational Transformation | Reimagining & Reinventing Systems to Bridge Disparities, Infuse B-IDEAL | Keynote Speaker | CHIEF
Dear fellow advocates for thriving communities,?
This month, we celebrate two vital observances: National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Month and Black Business Month. As we honor the nurturing power of feeding and nourishing our youngest and the entrepreneurial spirit driving economic growth, we're reminded of the interconnected nature of health and empowerment in our diverse communities.
Join us in championing equitable access to family health resources, and uplifting Black-owned businesses. Together, we can create a healthier, more prosperous future for all.?
How will you help make a difference this month and beyond?
National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Month:
Established by the USBC (U.S. Breastfeeding Committee) in 2011, National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Month promotes essential support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding families and upholds equitable, accessible healthcare policies nationwide. This movement emphasizes the numerous health benefits for growing infants and their caretakers, including enhanced immunity and reduced disease risks.
Unfortunately, BIPOC parent(s) or families with full and limited access to healthcare face disproportionate barriers to breastfeeding/chestfeeding their newborn children. These challenges include healthcare disparities, social practices, economic obstacles, language barriers, cultural support gaps, and sometimes limited education about the importance of breastfeeding and chestfeeding. Sadly, many BIPOC families find that healthcare providers often withhold or inadequately communicate crucial information about breastfeeding and chestfeeding. Doctors and nurses are responsible for educating and actively encouraging learning about the benefits of breastfeeding and chestfeeding to ensure successful journeys. Especially in historically underserved communities, culturally sensitive support, and inclusive resources are invaluable
Recent data from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) indicates that breastfeeding initiation rates are higher (>80%) among infants of mothers who identify as Asian, Hispanic, or White. In contrast, this percentage is lower (<80%) among caretakers who identify as American Indian or Alaskan Native (AI/AN), Black, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI).
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding offers a wealth of benefits, supported by the Cleveland Clinic , such as providing ideal nutrition for infants and strengthening their immune systems against illnesses. It also contributes significantly to postpartum weight loss for caretakers due to the calories burned during breastfeeding. Moreover, breastfeeding has been associated with long-term benefits, including a reduced risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer—potentially due to hormonal changes and decreased estrogen exposure. It also supports bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis later in life by enhancing calcium mobilization. Furthermore, breastfeeding lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.?
These benefits underscore the importance of breastfeeding and chestfeeding as integral components of maternal and infant health, with profound implications for sustained wellness, including reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Given these significant advantages, all communities should feel empowered to openly discuss and learn about breastfeeding and chestfeeding, and understand its wide-ranging benefits for both parent and child.
My Personal Breastfeeding Story as a Mother of Two:
Before giving birth to my first child, my mother asked if I planned to breastfeed. I replied, "I'm not sure," not realizing that the choice was really not mine! She shared the benefits of breastfeeding for both me and my son and I was ultimately convinced to try it out.
As usual, I’m glad I listened to my mother’s advice! I regularly breastfed my first son for 1 year, and 9 months with my second, as much as my lifestyle allowed. My breastfeeding journey revealed benefits beyond nutrition—–it became a profound journey of connection and health. Those quiet moments of feeding fostered an incredible bond with my child, a closeness that words can hardly describe. I noticed my baby was calmer during feedings, and over time, I felt more attuned to their needs.
Beyond the emotional benefits, I was amazed to learn about the health advantages for both of us. I was ecstatic to find out that my child was receiving natural immunity boosts through my milk, while I enjoyed unexpected perks like faster postpartum recovery and a reduced risk of certain cancers. I'm even convinced I lost my pregnancy weight in two weeks because of breastfeeding regularly.?
This experience opened my eyes to the importance of support and education for all parents navigating their feeding journeys. It's why I'm passionate about sharing knowledge, encouraging open dialogue, and advocating for inclusive resources—especially for those who might face additional challenges.
Every family's story is unique, but the power of informed choices and proper support is universal. As we celebrate National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Month, I'm reminded of how this personal journey became a calling to support others.
Black Business Month:
As interest in DEIB efforts appears to be waning, the effectiveness of these initiatives becomes increasingly apparent, posing a direct challenge to entrenched systems of oppression that actively resist and undermine progress. The tragic deaths of George Floyd and too many others served as a powerful call to action, prompting the launch of programs initially seen as temporary responses. Over time, these movements have yielded positive results, prompting systemic forces to mobilize against them. Despite this opposition, uplifting and celebrating diverse voices remains vital during these observances.
According to Forbes , Black women are increasingly becoming entrepreneurs driven by qualities such as quality of life, authenticity, skill sets, values, communication, and liberation. They represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., with roughly 2.7 million businesses nationwide. Notably, there has been an estimated 70% increase in businesses owned by Afro-Descendant women in the U.S. over the last four years. The declining interest in DEI efforts mirrors their effectiveness, challenging long-standing barriers and advocating for access to opportunities historically withheld from Black businesses.
As such, celebrating the thriving success of Black-owned businesses is pivotal, as it not only fosters economic growth within these communities but also supports the resilience and vitality of the entire economy. When Black businesses thrive, they also contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and community development, further enriching our nation's social and economic fabric.
Let's celebrate resilience and entrepreneurship within our communities this month! Join me in supporting Black-owned businesses and advocating for inclusive practices in every aspect of our lives. Together, we can amplify awareness, advocate tirelessly for equitable practices, and empower our communities to thrive abundantly.
Events & News Roundup
SXSW 2025: “Pathways to Progress: An ERG Roadmap”
Exciting news! I've proposed a session for SXSW 2025 titled "Pathways to Progress: An ERG Roadmap." This crucial topic addresses the untapped potential of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in driving diversity, innovation, and cultural transformation within organizations.
Why It Matters:
Key Issues We'll Address:
This discussion will provide strategies for unleashing ERGs' full potential, empowering young leaders, and leveraging technology to streamline processes. We'll walk through a playbook to turn potential burnout into sustainable, successful, and diverse ERGs.
How You Can Help:
Vote now to bring this vital conversation to the big stage! Your support can shape a more inclusive future of work and help organizations provide the necessary resources for ERGs to thrive.
Vote HERE by August 18!
I want to hear your voice—join us in revolutionizing ERGs and creating meaningful change in workplaces everywhere!
领英推荐
SXSW EDU 2025: Confidence Regained: A Mother's Fight for Equity in K-12
I'm excited to share another proposal for SXSW EDU, SXSW’s education-focused conference that empowers the community to advance teaching and learning on an international scale. While I encourage you to explore all topics that resonate with you, I'd love for you to consider our proposal: "Confidence Regained: A Mother's Fight for Equity in K-12."
Why It Matters:
This conversation tackles the critical issue of systemic racism in our schools and its impact on Black, Latino, and low-income students in particular:
Key Takeaways:
Drawing from personal experience, historical context, and current research, we'll explore solutions to foster equitable, supportive classrooms that affirm every student's humanity.
Help bring these crucial conversations to SXSW EDU. Together, we can work towards creating more inclusive learning environments and overcoming systemic barriers in education.
Click HERE to vote by August 18—your voice can make a difference.
Let's collectively shape the future of education and workplaces at SXSW EDU and SXSW 2025!
Silicon Valley Kindness Awards at the Adobe World Headquarters, Sponsored by Sunday Friends
On August 5, I had the pleasure of attending the Silicon Valley Kindness Awards, sponsored by Sunday Friends Foundation at the Adobe World HQ. The event featured an enlightening and informative panel discussion on helping overcome poverty in our San Jose community. I was inspired to take action and continue championing initiatives to help families overcome poverty and working towards a brighter future.
A special thanks to the presenters: Dora Beyer Tatiana J. Colón-Rivera Mike González, MPA Dennis King Trevor Parham Simone Robbennolt Scott Myers-Lipton !
Sunday Friends helps San Jose families break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and achieve health equity by providing resources and a supportive community. If you’re interested in how you can contribute to this cause, please check out their website to learn more.
Extraordinary Teams Inventory Certification
I am honored to have been distinguished with the Extraordinary Teams Inventory Certification from ML Consulting, Inc. on July 26! This certification is a powerful team development assessment to spotlight organizations that achieve extraordinary results while cultivating an exciting, collaborative environment built upon mutual trust, respect, and engagement.
I am especially grateful to Kevin Eikenberry and Sally Starbuck Stamp for leading an exceptional certification program.
Shoutouts & Testimonials
Shana Peete and CEN (Center for Excellence in Nonprofits)
In honor of Black Business Month, I would like to spotlight Shana Peete (She/Her/Ella) , JD, a passionate Black woman attorney and business leader who is also CEO of CEN - Center for Excellence in Nonprofits . CEN supports over 10,000 nonprofit organizations nationwide and is dedicated to strengthening and sustaining nonprofit leadership through high-quality programs, collaborative peer networks, and personal consultations.?
Guided by a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and liberation (IDEAL) principles, Shana helps CEN create inclusive spaces where nonprofit professionals can grow, connect, and gain valuable resources. She also facilitates expert-led programs to address the unique challenges faced by nonprofit executives, fostering strong, effective, and representative leadership.?
I am constantly inspired by how Shana avidly supports CEN’s mission to empower leaders and organizations to maximize their impact and sustainability. She is an astounding role model for our fellow Black businesswomen and emerging Black leaders.
BreastfeedLA
To celebrate National Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Month, I am calling out BreastfeedLA , a volunteer-run organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of infants and families through education, outreach, and advocacy to promote and support breastfeeding.
I also had the pleasure of contributing my insights to BreastfeedLA’s 2023 Equity Summit . The purpose of this event was to pinpoint the structural and institutional saboteurs of lactation and establish innovative strategies to overcome them so that families can meet their infant feeding goals.?
In line with the conference’s theme, “Lactation Justice: Activating Our Community Response”, my session, titled “I.D.E.A.L. in Lactation Workshop: Determining Structure and Systems Change ”, addressed how we can support feeding women from historically excluded populations.