Advocacy is a powerful tool for Black and Latinx families to break down systemic barriers and create lasting change. At FIERCE Advocates, we believe every parent and youth has the power to shape their community by speaking up, sharing their stories, and taking action.

Whether it’s pushing for culturally inclusive curricula, better mental health resources, or leadership opportunities, your voice matters. Start small, build confidence, and join a movement dedicated to justice and equity. Change begins with you—are you ready to lead?

“Unleashing the Power of HER is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a testament to the power of resilience, the value of community, and the importance of lifting up Black women’s voices,” said Sheryl Lane, executive director of FIERCE Advocates and one of the book’s co-authors. “At FIERCE Advocates, we take a holistic approach to supporting parents of color. Our focus on Black women is a central part of that work. Black women are leaders in our communities, and hearing their stories is not only inspiring, it gives us a lens into what the needs of our community are and how we can work to empower Black women, just as they work so hard to empower us.”

For Black mothers like Erica Mack, pregnancy and childbirth can come with challenges rooted in past trauma and systemic inequities.

The CoCo Doula Program by FIERCE Advocates provides culturally responsive support, ensuring that Black families in Contra Costa County experience birth with dignity, respect, and empowerment. Through personalized care, advocacy, and emotional guidance, doulas help transform birthing experiences and improve maternal health outcomes. Read Erica’s inspiring story and discover how CoCo Doulas are making a lasting impact on Black maternal health

Healing-centered care is a transformative approach to mental health that acknowledges systemic injustices, embraces cultural strengths, and fosters community connections. Unlike traditional models, it shifts the focus from individual treatment to collective healing and resilience—especially for Black, Latinx, and other communities of color.

FIERCE Advocates integrates this holistic framework into leadership development, wellness programs, and advocacy efforts, ensuring mental health support is both culturally affirming and empowering. Learn how healing-centered care can create lasting change and how you can be part of this movement.

Celebrate Black History Month with FIERCE Advocates as we honor the resilience, leadership, and advocacy of Black communities. This month, we reflect on the transformative contributions of historical figures like Mary McLeod Bethune and Bayard Rustin, while spotlighting local leaders in Contra Costa County who continue the fight for educational equity and justice. FIERCE is committed to advancing equitable access to education, fostering leadership development, and promoting healing-centered care for families of color. Join us in honoring the past, empowering the present, and shaping a future rooted in collective empowerment.

FIERCE Advocates celebrates the success of its Policy and Advocacy Organizing (PAO) team in 2024, highlighting the empowerment of local women leaders through the Bay Area Coalition for Education Justice (BASEJ) and Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI). The article showcases transformative workshops on educational policy and advocacy, as well as the impactful work of community leaders in advancing educational equity in West Contra Costa County. Looking ahead to 2025, FIERCE Advocates remains committed to amplifying voices and driving change for BIPOC families in the Bay Area.

The CoCo Doula Program by FIERCE Advocates is transforming maternal and perinatal health for BIPOC families in Contra Costa County. With 183 safe deliveries in 2024 and an expanding culturally responsive care network, this program empowers families through compassionate, community-driven solutions. Learn how you can support thriving communities for all.

Discover how Jasmine, a parent in the FIERCE Advocates Parent Fellow program, transformed her approach to supporting her son's education and became a powerful advocate for educational equity. Learn about the impact of community-based support and how FIERCE Advocates empowers parents to lead and shape brighter futures for children.

Get ready to make an impact this GivingTuesday! FIERCE Advocates is thrilled to relaunch the Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI) on December 3rd, empowering local voices and strengthening community leadership. CELI trains parents, caregivers, and youth leaders to champion education, health, and wellness, equipping them with critical advocacy skills for real change. Join us in supporting CELI this GivingTuesday—every donation helps fund stipends for our fellows, ensuring financial barriers don’t stand in the way of leadership. Let’s empower change together and support the next generation of community leaders!

Learn how Black doulas are addressing the maternal care crisis in Black communities. FIERCE Advocates' CoCo Doulas program trains community-based doulas to provide culturally sensitive, empowering support for Black mothers, improving birth outcomes and ensuring safe, dignified care for Black families.

Discover wellness tips rooted in cultural pride with FIERCE Advocates. From nutrient-rich soul food staples to vibrant Latinx and Indigenous dishes, we offer practical advice for families of color to embrace healthy eating, mindful traditions, and family-centered wellness practices that celebrate heritage and health.

At FIERCE Advocates, we recognize the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color. From systemic inequalities to cultural stigmas, we explore these issues and provide valuable resources to promote mental health awareness and resilience. Learn about our support programs, personal stories, and strategies to foster mental well-being in diverse cultural settings.

At FIERCE Advocates, we're empowering parents to become leaders in their communities. Leadership goes beyond titles—it's about making meaningful change. Explore practical strategies, resources, and programs that help parents strengthen their leadership skills and drive positive outcomes in education, health, and social justice.

Unveiling Racial Disparities in Maternal Health
Black women in the U.S. are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, a staggering reflection of systemic racism in healthcare. These disparities in maternal care also extend to prenatal access and infant mortality. FIERCE Advocates is committed to birth justice, advocating for equitable healthcare and supporting Black mothers through initiatives like the CoCo Doula program. Join us in the fight for maternal health equity to ensure every mother receives the care, respect, and support they deserve.

At the Black Village Network, joy and healing are not just goals—they are the foundation of our work. By creating culturally authentic spaces where Black community members can connect, heal, and contribute, we foster a sustainable ecosystem of empowerment. Participants evolve from receiving support to becoming leaders, actively pouring back into their community and co-creating a brighter future for Black families.

Maria Teresa Franco's journey with FIERCE Advocates’ life coaching program highlights the power of culturally responsive support in fostering resilience and empowerment. Through personalized coaching that honors her cultural background, Maria gained the confidence to navigate crises and better support her family. 'Thanks to FIERCE, I now feel empowered,' Maria shared, emphasizing how this support extends beyond her to uplift her entire community. Her story reflects the transformative impact of life coaching that equips individuals with the tools to thrive and make a lasting difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.

In Contra Costa County, birth experiences are being reshaped by FIERCE Advocates' CoCo Doulas program, a dedicated team of Black women empowering families through pregnancy and childbirth. These doulas offer more than just physical support during labor; they provide crucial emotional care and help Black families navigate healthcare systems that too often fail them. By offering culturally sensitive, compassionate care, CoCo Doulas are addressing disparities in maternal health and advocating for birth justice. Their work is vital in reducing the alarming maternal mortality rate faced by Black mothers, ensuring families receive the dignified and equitable care they deserve.