Brandi is a dedicated wife, mother, and lactation consultant. Her passion for Black women and breastfeeding is incomparable. In 2005, Brandi was called to birth work while she was breastfeeding her daughter. She began to work for the WIC program as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, supporting teens and young parents through their lactation journeys. In 2011, Brandi became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and passionately empowered her community.

Over the years, Brandi’s family has grown, and her career has flourished. She is the founder and executive director of Breast Friends Lactation Support Services, which offers lactation consultation, breastfeeding support groups, and education classes to Black parents.

Currently, she breastfeeds her son SJ, Co-Chairs the Breastfeeding Cultural Outreach Taskforce (BCOT), whose mission is to review the art of breastfeeding in the African American community. Sits on several community advisory boards, including the Preterm Birth Initiative, Perinatal Equity Initiative, and the MILK Research Lab Community Advisory Board, and works as a lactation consultant at Highland hospital. Brandi brings her innovative perspective, lived experience, and the Black woman’s voice to all of her work.

Alli Mitchell is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with over five years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. She specializes in providing culturally sensitive, bilingual care with a strong emphasis on serving Latinx communities. Alli’s holistic approach combines midwifery expertise with advanced lactation support, offering personalized, evidence-based guidance that empowers parents and nurtures strong, healthy beginnings.

Erika Smith is a devoted wife, mother, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and doula. Her journey into lactation support began during her undergraduate studies in Speech Pathology and Audiology, where she became fascinated by infant feeding and the profound bond that breastfeeding fosters between parent and baby.

With experience at Highland Hospital and as a WIC Peer Counselor in Alameda County, Erika brings compassionate, evidence-based support to families at all stages of their feeding journey. She considers helping parents breastfeed her superpower—“saving the world one latch at a time.”

Erika breastfed her son for two years and is currently breastfeeding her daughter, deepening her personal understanding of the joys and challenges of lactation. Her mission is to empower families with the knowledge and confidence they need to meet their feeding goals.

Shaun Burgess

Shaun Burgess is a dedicated breastfeeding peer counselor, providing support to new fathers from a male perspective. As the father of SJ, who was breastfed for four years, he advocates for exclusive breastfeeding for babies as he sees the many benefits in his own son. With a background in security and conflict resolution, Shaun brings calm, practical guidance to fathers navigating their infant feeding journeys. He is CPR and currently expanding his expertise through Community Health Worker Training.

Marquis Josiah Moore is a musician, songwriter, father, and group facilitator who brings authenticity, creativity, and lived experience to every space he enters. As an artist, his work reflects storytelling rooted in real life capturing the joys, challenges, and growth that come with fatherhood and community. As a facilitator, Marquis creates welcoming, judgment-free environments where participants feel seen, heard, and empowered to share their own journeys.

Breastfed for three years himself, Marquis understands firsthand the value of breastmilk and the impact it has on long-term health and connection. He has been a strong advocate for his own children receiving breastmilk, actively supporting their mother through her breastfeeding journeys. Drawing from these experiences, he connects deeply with fathers using music, conversation, and relatability to build trust and foster meaningful engagement. His work bridges art and advocacy, strengthening community through connection, culture, and shared experience.

Brandi is a dedicated wife, mother, and lactation consultant. Her passion for Black women and breastfeeding is incomparable. In 2005, Brandi was called to birth work while she was breastfeeding her daughter. She began to work for the WIC program as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, supporting teens and young parents through their lactation journeys. In 2011, Brandi became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and passionately empowered her community.

Over the years, Brandi’s family has grown, and her career has flourished. She is the founder and executive director of Breast Friends Lactation Support Services, which offers lactation consultation, breastfeeding support groups, and education classes to Black parents.

Currently, she breastfeeds her son SJ, Co-Chairs the Breastfeeding Cultural Outreach Taskforce (BCOT), whose mission is to review the art of breastfeeding in the African American community. Sits on several community advisory boards, including the Preterm Birth Initiative, Perinatal Equity Initiative, and the MILK Research Lab Community Advisory Board, and works as a lactation consultant at Highland hospital. Brandi brings her innovative perspective, lived experience, and the Black woman’s voice to all of her work.

Ayana Sharif (she/her) is a mother, multipotentialite, and entrepreneur—founder of Brown & Bloom Studio, where she offers creative services and thoughtful solutions to small businesses, nonprofits, and community-led programs. She approaches her work with passion and intention, guided by a soft spirit and a deep care for people. Ayana is devoted to using her gifts to empower women and uplift disadvantaged communities—especially Black families—by providing the resources and support they need to truly thrive.

Nia is a Pasadena native and finance student passionate about analytics‑driven, service‑oriented work. As an Admin & Data Coordinator with Breast Friends Lactation Support Services, she develops data tools and operational systems to support postpartum care and organizational growth. She recharges by spending time with her husband and baby, along with archery and jet skiing.

Hi, I’m Brittney, a proud mom of three little ones. I’m passionate about breastfeeding advocacy and supporting families through every stage of their journey. I’m committed to providing education while creating a warm, inclusive, and judgment-free space where every parent feels respected, empowered, and confident.