Welcoming Change and New Leadership: The Evolution of Our Board

At Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities (BFFC), change signals growth. We’re proud to introduce adjustments within our leadership that will bolster our mission to support all breastfeeding families and create nurturing communities. Let’s dive into the recent shifts and meet the passionate individuals steering BFFC forward.

Meet Melissa Henry
Joining us on September 19, Melissa Henry is a welcome addition to our board, merging her extensive background in public health and advocacy for women’s health with our mission. With a foundation in English from UC Berkeley, Melissa has championed community initiatives, notably in breastfeeding advocacy in public spaces. Her experience, culminating in over 30 years of commitment to women’s health and well-being, and her role as a mother to eight breastfed babies, ensures she’ll be invaluable to our endeavors.

Kathleen Anderson’s New Direction
Esteemed board member, Kathleen Anderson, has taken a sabbatical to helm the Carrboro Breastfeeding Family Friendly Communities designation – a move that stands to transform our community into an even more supportive environment for breastfeeding families. As she dedicates herself to this project, Kathleen steps down from her role as president, passing the torch to Love Anderson.

Love Anderson’s Leadership
Having witnessed BFFC’s positive community impact over the years, Love Anderson is poised to lead as our new president. With her academic roots in system analytics, physics, and education, Love transitioned her focus to lactation support and inclusive community design after breastfeeding her own children. Her alignment with our mission and her vision for BFFC promise an exciting path ahead.

Spotlight on Other Board Members:

  • Salma Ali is the powerhouse behind the Breastfeed Durham initiative, handling the coordination of “The Durham Digest” and “StayAbreast.” With a Master in Public Health from UNC Chapel Hill, her passion is anchored in reproductive justice and ensuring families’ access to the best for infant nutrition.
  • Shawna Daniels, a doctoral student, draws from two decades in Early Childhood Education. Her advocacy spans healthcare access, parent education, and breastfeeding equity, with a particular focus on child care provider training.
  • Saisahana Subburaj is a Duke University graduate currently pursuing midwifery at the University of Pennsylvania. With a major centered on “Global Women’s Health in Asia,” she seamlessly integrates her global perspective with her passion for women’s health.

In Conclusion
Embracing change ensures our continuous growth. We’re excited about Melissa’s addition, Kathleen’s new direction, and Love’s leadership. Together with our dedicated board members, we are set on advancing our goal to create more supportive environments for breastfeeding families. Your continued support propels us forward, and we’re eager to witness the collective positive impact we’ll make in the years to come.