Erica Williams Simon
Erica Williams Simon, Mamas in Waiting, Cary, North Carolina
Erica Williams Simon
Mamas in Waiting
Cary, NC
Mamas In Waiting exists to meet the needs of women of color who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss and other challenges on their path to motherhood, no matter where they may be on their journey. Founded by narrative strategist, author, and podcast host Erica Williams Simon, Mamas in Waiting offers retreats, virtual workshops, community, and resources ranging from emergency support grants to direct access to trusted mental health professionals.
About Erica:
An award-winning narrative strategist, author, TV host, and creative, Erica channels her expertise in narrative and social impact to create a supportive, judgment-free space for women of color to heal, find community, and access resources throughout their reproductive journeys.
She is the head of The Creator’s Lab at Snapchat; host of the popular podcast, The Call with Erica; an advisor for NPR’s Generation Listen; and cocreator and host of the digital talk show, The Assembly. A committed civil and human rights advocate and preacher’s daughter for life, Erica is a World Economic Forum Global Shaper.
Mamas in Waiting was inspired by Erica’s own fertility journey, which began in 2017, and the emotional and lonely experiences of trying to conceive and pregnancy loss.
Black women experience infertility and pregnancy loss at greater rates than their white counterparts, as well as encountering a health system that is often inaccessible, traumatizing and racist. Infertility and pregnancy loss are not just health issues: they are cultural, political and economic as well. In each of those arenas, Black and Brown women are underserved.
In early summer, a grants program for emergency support, including mental health and IVF costs will be launched. Future plans include a digital platform for reproductive health education and training materials for fertility doulas. Mamas in Waiting is working to create direct services for women and to build a national summit and continued narrative research that adds to the field.
