Motherhood is rarely a story that unfolds exactly as planned. For Leila Spann, an unexpected high-risk pregnancy journey and her daughter's 98-day NICU stay forced a kind of surrender she never anticipated.  That experience became her matrescence: the profound, often invisible transformation into motherhood that reshaped how she understood advocacy, trust, and the tenacity required to navigate an imperfect healthcare system.

Joined by Midwife and maternal wellness advocate Joi Crenshaw, the conversation explores what women deserve during pregnancy and birth, why maternal outcomes remain deeply unequal, and how community, education, and informed advocacy can transform both individual experiences and systems of care. Rather than focusing solely on statistics, this evening centers the lived experiences behind them.

In recognition of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, the program concludes with a candlelight vigil as part of the global Wave of Light, honoring babies lost and the families who continue to carry them in their hearts.

Light hors d’oeuvres will be served with a cash bar available for NA, beer, and wine purchases.

VIP Entry: 5:00 PM

General Admission Entry: 5:30 PM

Session Start: 6:00 PM

Session End: 7:00 PM