Advocating for Colorful Voices of Repro-Justice
Growing up in rural Virginia, Kenda witnessed firsthand how healthcare systems were failing Black mothers and families. This early experience sparked a lifelong mission to transform maternal healthcare. Today, as a nationally recognized leader and advocate, she's turning that mission into reality — training healthcare providers, empowering birth workers, and changing policies to ensure every family receives the respectful, quality care they deserve. Kenda's groundbreaking work, which has earned recognition including the Health Equity Advocate of the Year award from Families USA, isn't just changing systems — it's saving lives and transforming archaic healthcare systems.
01
Doula Certification
Birth in Color's state-recognized program equips birth workers with technical expertise and cultural respect, preparing doulas to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, holistic doula support across various communities.
02
DEI Training
Through evidence-based DEI implementation and the development of COLOR Theory, Kenda continues to transform healthcare environments with strategies that address racial bias and drive improved patient outcomes headon.
03
Legislative Advocacy
Transformative policy changes, from Virginia's Medicaid coverage for doulas to statewide maternal health initiatives, are making quality healthcare accessible to historically excluded communities and saving lives.
04
ReproJustice Consulting
Kenda designs and implements strategic programs including the Color Theory program for enterprises, that help healthcare systems deliver culturally-competent care while addressing systemic barriers to maternal health equity.
INTRODUCING
NEW • Color Theory ™
Through this innovative new program, Kenda blends psychological insights with cultural healing practices to create a transformative approach to birth work, offering healthcare providers and birth workers a new framework for understanding and supporting diverse birth experiences.
In the Media
A trusted voice in reproductive healthcare, Kenda has shared her expertise at Vice President Kamala Harris's roundtable on Reproductive Health and continues to shape national conversations on maternal health equity.
TedX
In her powerful TEDx talk, Kenda Sutton-El reveals how doulas are providing crucial support for Black mothers amid America's maternal health crisis, while calling for systemic changes in healthcare.
Richmond Magazine
Kenda Sutton-El, who attended her first childbirth at age 6 and comes from a family of healthcare workers, founded Birth in Color to address the stark maternal health crisis facing Black women in Virginia.
VA Dogwood
In Virginia, where Black women are twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, Kenda Sutton-El's organization Birth in Color works alongside leaders to combat healthcare bias.
Stateline
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Let's Connect
Whether you're a healthcare provider looking to improve patient outcomes, an organization seeking comprehensive DEI training, or a legislative body working toward policy reform, Kenda brings the expertise and proven track record to help you create meaningful change.
Kenda Sutton-El
© Kenda Sutton-El. All rights reserved.
Full Biography
Growing up in rural Virginia, Kenda witnessed firsthand how healthcare systems were failing Black mothers and families. This early experience sparked a lifelong mission to transform maternal healthcare. Today, as a nationally recognized leader and advocate, she's turning that mission into reality — training healthcare providers, empowering birth workers, and changing policies to ensure every family receives the respectful, quality care they deserve. Kenda's groundbreaking work, which has earned recognition including the Health Equity Advocate of the Year award from Families USA, isn't just changing systems — it's saving lives and transforming archaic healthcare systems.
Photos for Media
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Kenda Sutton-El
© Kenda Sutton-El. All rights reserved.