International Birth Center Incorporated 501 (c) 3

About

International Birth Center Incorporated is a Florida-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equitable, high quality perinatal care by providing a safe space for low-risk pregnant, birthing women, and postpartum women to receive holistic, personalized, and culturally reverent care.

Mission

International Birth Center Incorporated aims to create a safe space for all low-risk birthing women, where they feel validated and valued, and to improve maternal healthcare quality through research, education, and evidence-based practice.

Vision

We envision a safe Haven Of Maternity Experience (HOME) for all women before, during and after pregnancy

Board of Directors

Meet the Team

President

Dr Kimberly Navarro

Dr. Navarro is a Lecturer at UCF College of Nursing (UCF CON). Her role on the grant will be to serve as Principal Investigator (PI). Dr. Navarro is a seasoned nurse educator and clinician with extensive experience in women’s health and maternal care. She holds dual national certifications as a nurse midwife and a women’s health nurse practitioner, reflecting her deep clinical expertise. Over the course of her career, she has worked in a variety of healthcare settings, including community clinics and federally funded health centers, where she has provided care to underserved populations.

Dr. Navarro earned her doctorate in Global Leadership and Change, focusing her research on the experiences of Black mothers. Her scholarly work highlights her commitment to addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes and promoting culturally responsive care models.

In addition to her academic and clinical roles, Dr. Navarro has contributed to public health efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and has engaged in global health initiatives. Her leadership, research focus, and dedication to health equity make her exceptionally well-suited to serve as a Principal Investigator on grants aimed at improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes.

Vice President

Mrs. Dalissy Washington

Dalissy Jose Washington is a Dominican-American, daughter of immigrants, bilingual (Spanish & English) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Educator, and Activist. As a first-generation college graduate, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University and a Master of Social Work from West Chester University. Her career began in integrated healthcare settings, serving individuals and families across the lifespan. She now leads The Compassion Agents, a group practice that provides immigration evaluations, clinical training, and trauma-informed consulting. In 2019, Dalissy earned the Social Worker of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Workers, Delaware Chapter. Dalissy has always been fascinated by the human experience and holds a deep appreciation for both the complexity and richness of life. She resides in Delaware with her husband and three daughters and strives to promote cultural humility, social justice, and mental health in her community and beyond.

Fun fact, not in my bio: I was Outstanding Young Social Worker of the Year for PA NASW Chapter back in 2012

Director

Dr Fayshonda Cooks

Dr. Fayshonda Cooks, DrPH, MPH, BSN is a distinguished healthcare professional and educator with a robust background in public health, nursing, and health administration. She currently serves as a Lecturer at the University of Central Florida's College of Nursing, where she imparts her extensive knowledge and experience to the next generation of healthcare professionals. Dr. Cooks earned her Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from Capella University in 2018, following a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of South Florida in 2011, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Excelsior College in 2007. She began her nursing career with an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from Florida Community College of Jacksonville in 1993 and has been a licensed Registered Nurse since that time. Her professional journey includes academic roles, such as Adjunct Faculty positions at Southern New Hampshire University and Everglades University, where she taught various public health and health-related courses. Dr. Cooks has also held clinical leadership positions, including President and CEO of Healthcare Access Alliance, Director of Clinical Operations at UnitedHealthcare, and Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations at the Florida Department of Health, Osceola County. Dr. Cooks is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Diversity in Business Award from the Orlando Business Journal and the Public Health Hero Award from the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. Her practice focuses on community health, health literacy, and improving health outcomes. She previously hosted the "Take PHIVE with Dr. Fayshonda Cooks" YouTube series as well as the “Care’Fe with Dr. Fay” podcast series. Dr. Cooks is actively involved in community service and participates in various health committees and boards. Her dedication to improving health outcomes and her commitment to enhancing health literacy and education make her a respected nurse leader in the fields of nursing as well as public health.