Dear community,

As many of you know, I’m currently a student at The Florida School of Traditional Midwifery, where I was blessed to receive a scholarship covering my tuition. This opportunity has been life-changing, allowing me to fully pursue my calling as a midwife.

Recently, my car broke down beyond repair. As I enter the final two years of my program, my time will be devoted almost entirely to clinical training—long days and nights in clinic and at births. This makes it nearly impossible to maintain steady income while also keeping up with the demands of school and paying rent. While I’m grateful for the kindness of those who sometimes help me get to clinic and births, I am reaching out to my community to ask for your support in helping me continue this path.

Your support goes far beyond me—it contributes to something larger. Black midwives once played a central role in caring for mothers and babies across this country, but today fewer than 5% of midwives in the U.S. are women of color, even though Black families face the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality. Research shows that having culturally aligned providers improves trust, reduces trauma, and leads to healthier outcomes. Many of us know at least one Black woman who has felt overlooked, silenced, or unsupported in her birthing experience. Representation matters.

By supporting me, you’re helping to change that. You’re helping to ensure more families have a provider who sees them, hears them, and honors their experience. Every contribution—whether financial, sharing this fundraiser, or simply holding me in prayer—brings me closer to completing this journey and stepping into the role of midwife that our communities need.

With love and gratitude,

Nia Elcock