Celebrating Changemakers in Hamilton County: Our 2023 “Champions for Change”
Infant mortality is an issue that no organization can solve alone – collaboration is essential.
Over the past ten years, we have seen Hamilton County unite around a common goal of reducing infant mortality. In that spirit, Cradle Cincinnati launched the “Champions for Change” Awards to honor leaders who went the extra mile for moms and babies in our community. This year, we’re thrilled to recognize six such champions.
Because of Champions like these and countless others, more babies – and their families – are celebrating first birthdays in Hamilton County. We’d like to thank these champions for their compassion and innovation in helping moms and babies thrive.
Our 2023 “Champions for Change” are:
Champion for Better Care: Beth Smith, Every Child Succeeds
In her more than three years as a home visitor with Every Child Succeeds, Beth has served clients from a diverse set of backgrounds – from those with complex physical or mental health conditions to those experiencing intellectual delays or social adversities. Her hallmark is her personalized approach, making sure to deeply understand her clients and tailoring nursing plans for the healthiest outcomes.
Beth’s work is defined by collaboration, compassion, commitment and creativity. She collaborates with school counselors to address homelessness and food insecurity; empowers moms to advocate for themselves and their children during healthcare visits and when confronted with housing concerns; actively participates in care team meetings in support of her clients and to better understand the conditions they face; and is flexible with her time when an urgent need arises. Day in and day out, Beth demonstrates her unwavering commitment of supporting all mothers in our community.
Safe Sleep Champions: Tara and Charlie Pease, The Laura Elizabeth Pease Memorial Fund
Tara and Charlie created the Laura Elizabeth Pease Memorial Golf Outing 28 years ago in loving memory of their daughter Laura Elizabeth Pease, who was tragically lost to sudden infant death syndrome when she was 3-1/2 months old. Since then, they have raised more than $750,000 for medical research, SIDS awareness and safe sleep efforts.
During the past 28 years these funds have provided 65,000 Back to Sleep onesies, more than a million pieces of safe sleep educational literature and more than 760 cribs to new mothers – as well as supported neonatal medical research at Boston Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
Their commitment and dedication to help other families has already impacted their small corner of the world. In the past twenty-plus years since their daughter passed away, there have been no SIDS deaths in the Wyoming community.
Community Activist Champion: Rayell Wilhite, UC Health
As a licensed clinical social worker, Rayell stands as a tireless advocate for the well-being of our community. Her work plays an incredibly important role in bridging the gap between mental health services and law enforcement. Rayell strives to educate and sensitize law enforcement officers about the complexities of mental health crises – emphasizing that a compassionate and informed approach can make a significant difference in the outcomes of these situations.
By advocating for better training and collaboration between mental health professionals and law enforcement, Rayell addresses the barriers of misunderstanding and resistance that often persist. Her contributions in the world of mental health have undoubtedly created a lasting positive impact in Hamilton County.
Champion for Equity: Dr. Angelica Hardee, American Heart Association
As Vice President of Community Impact for the American Heart Association, Dr. Hardee spearheads initiatives that address hypertension, e-cigarette and tobacco use, healthy food access, and maternal and infant vitality in our region. She aims to make Greater Cincinnati the most equitable and healthy community in the United States and does so by engaging with community organizations and neighborhood coalitions to identify their health and wellness priorities.
Over the years, maternal and infant health has become a priority for Dr. Hardee. Recently, the American Heart Association has been presented with opportunities to dive deeper into this work and ensure that moms are empowered with the support of their care network to bring a healthy baby into this world.
Dr. Hardee is currently the only Black woman on staff at the American Heart Association, which is important to recognize – especially in work that has traditionally been overseen by white counterparts. Within the first six months of her hire, the world stopped, and the organization, like many others, was unprepared for the immense changes that would come. Several staff members left. However, it was an opportunity for Angelica to hit the reset button and challenge the pre-existing strategies that were in place, knowing that things would look different coming out of the pandemic.
Champion for Healthy Families: Latia Jackson, Pathways to Home
Latia’s extensive experience in her role as home visitor shines through her ability to truly connect with, listen to and understand the needs of the families she serves. Going above and beyond, she tirelessly seeks out and provides resources tailored to the unique needs of each of her families.
During Latia's home visits, she empowers families to take charge of their health by encouraging them to reach out to their doctors with medical questions. Moreover, she ensures families are on top of their children’s healthcare by helping them keep track of and attend their Well Child Checkups. Latia’s advocacy extends to a variety of health topics – from breastfeeding and nutrition to the importance of prenatal care.
Beyond her role as home visitor, Latia is a member of Every Child Succeeds' board, where she collaborates with community partners to identify essential programs that are needed – and existing programs that are available – for families in our area.
Latia was once a participant in Every Child Succeeds herself and has overcome barriers to be the role model that she is today. She brings that achievement to her current role, empowering families to break through their own obstacles.
Champion for Healthy Families: Shira Williams, CoStars
Shira has a unique ability to reach and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. What sets her apart as a home visitor is her commitment to learning, growing and becoming the best version of herself so she can, in turn, inspire the families she works with to do the same.
Recognizing the relationship between child and parent well-being, she supports parents in overcoming past challenges and setting goals for their future. In doing so, the families she works with can feel her genuine belief in them.
Over the past year, Shira played a pivotal role in organizing Parent Cafés in partnership with the Gamble-Nippert YMCA in Westwood. This group allows parents to come together to discuss parenting issues and strategies and, importantly, create a community of support.
Beyond her current work, Shira is also developing a book and webinar focused on co-parenting. Her success in working with families has inspired her to create this free and valuable resource for the community.