International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Amen Ayanru, IBCLC, is a dedicated Program Manager and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with over seven years in community nutrition and five years in lactation support. Known for her commitment to creating accessible, culturally competent health programs, Amen has been instrumental in expanding the reach of the NYC Breastfeeding Warmline. She also pioneered two of the first Baby Cafés in Queens, NY, offering free, in-person lactation support, and developed a virtual Prenatal Infant Feeding Workshop to bridge gaps in prenatal education. Amen is passionate about mentoring future lactation professionals and fostering sustainable, community-focused solutions to improve maternal and infant health.

Beyond her professional work, Amen is the proud mother of one teenage daughter. She is an avid plant lover and enjoys immersing herself in anime, combining her love of nature and storytelling in her personal life.

MSEd, IBCLC, Full Spectrum Doula, PAIL Advocate

Charline Mitchell is a proud NICU mom and the owner of Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, LLC, an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of birthing individuals worldwide. A School Counselor, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, self-described Lactivist, Full Spectrum Doula, and PAIL Advocate, Charline’s journey into maternal health began in 2019 when she attended a peer breastfeeding support program while pregnant with her first child.

Since earning her IBCLC credential, Charline has launched several pioneering initiatives, including founding the 1st Annual Breastfeeding Awareness Day in New York State and "Breastfeeding @ The Ballgame" at Mets Citi Field. Most recently, she opened a Breastmilk Depot in March 2024, marking a new phase in her career. Inspired by her attendance at the HMBANA Milk Bank conference, Charline is now passionately working to establish the country’s first Black-owned HMBANA Milk Bank. Additionally, she is collaborating to bring a Birth Center to Queens, NY, providing new options and support for local birthing families.

Charline’s long-term vision includes founding a non-profit dedicated to addressing health disparities impacting people of color. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a minor in Psychology and a Master’s in Education from St. John's University. With over 15 years of experience in community-centered programs and initiatives, Charline is a trusted figure and advocate within her community and beyond.

Military Veteran, Father of 6

Born and raised in the heart of Queens, my connection to this borough runs deep. As a teen, I experienced firsthand the challenges of childbirth, welcoming my first child into the world right here in Queens. Over the years, I've expanded my family to include six wonderful children, giving me a unique perspective on the maternity and birth processes. My experiences span public, military, and private hospitals across three different countries, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse landscapes of maternal care. What became strikingly clear in each of these experiences, despite my presence, was the overwhelming burden placed on mothers. This realization fueled my passion to advocate for change and led me to join the board of Birth By Queens. I am committed to working towards a future where every family receives the support and care they deserve.

Diana is a bilingual certified midwife with over 20 years of experience serving patients and families across Queens and Brooklyn. She is deeply committed to providing culturally competent, equitable, and inclusive care, meeting patients where they are and honoring their lived experiences.

In 2004, Diana made history as the first Certified Midwife to practice at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she has provided culturally sensitive obstetric and gynecological care for more than two decades. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hunter College and her degree in Midwifery from SUNY Downstate, combining clinical expertise with a strong foundation in behavioral health.

A bilingual expert in sexual and reproductive health, Diana is a passionate advocate for education and mentorship. She proudly supports the training and development of student midwives and medical residents, contributing to a more informed and compassionate healthcare workforce.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Diana is also a mother to a teenage son with special needs—an experience that continues to shape her approach to care, advocacy, and health equity. She shares her extensive expertise as a medical contributor and consultant and is currently pursuing certification to prescribe medical marijuana as part of her commitment to expanding holistic and accessible care options.