MANA has begun a new era!

Introduction by Geradine Simkins, DEM, CNM, MSN is MANA's executive director.

Three years ago when I recruited Marinah Farrell to be on the MANA board, little did I know I would be introducing her to you today as your new President. I am thrilled to say that with her Presidency MANA has begun a new era in at least two important ways. First, Marinah is the first President who is not from the "Founding Mother" generation of MANA. She stands on the shoulders of the cadre of seasoned MANA leaders who will work hand in hand with her. And second, Marinah is the first midwife of color to be president of MANA, a milestone of serious significance for MANA. Welcome to your new position, Madame President, the torch has been passed to you. Shine on!

Marinah's Story

by Marinah Valenzuela Farrell

I can never think about my story without invoking the history and spirits of my ancestors. My grandfathers and grandmothers were fiercely elegant even amidst the poverty that surrounded them. I conjure memories of my grandfather's blue eagle-eyed silence as we rode his horse into the mountains of Mexico, an explorer of the wild and lover of herbal medicine. This knowledge he passed down to my mother, who passed it down to me.

My parents met in El Paso Texas, and I grew up in a place between the U.S. and Mexican borders. I grew to awareness that it was important to work for vulnerable populations because both of my parents were devoted to missionary work their entire lives. Much was given, and therefore, I have always felt much was expected. Thus, I work for many non-profit organizations here in Arizona and abroad. Everyday, I give thanks for the gift of midwifery and for the communities who invite me into their lives.

My first MANA convention (doesn't everyone have a story of their first MANA convention?!) was in Arizona. Ina May Gaskin and Marsden Wagner were there, as well as all types of midwives and birth workers and advocates. Being at MANA was a "coming home" and an all-star event of unforgettable individuals. From that time forward, I have loved MANA.

With the advent of technology, the aging of our tireless founding mentors, the explosion of maternal health organizations and the fast American pace of life, our board had to look hard at our grassroots style and wonder how in the world we would be able to keep up. We reject becoming pathologically "corporate," but also realize we need to adhere to business policies and practices in order to meet the accelerating demands of our organization. We want to remain an organization that honors all midwives, can professionally represent our members, can still be groovy and, more importantly, will be compassionately progressive.

Our learning curve became a slope. We prioritized trainings in organizational and cultural humility and how to be more supportive of gender freedoms. We created better systems of communications for the "virtual" demands of social and electronic media. We amplified our voice at International and National meetings because midwives are more supported than ever in some ways and yet more vulnerable to hostility because of it. Our Division of Research, whose Coordinating Council are pioneers each and every one, is an essential contribution we make to the midwifery profession. It facilitates us understanding what the big picture looks like in maternal and child health, and for everyone "out there" to understand the important role midwives play in that picture.

The founders of MANA packed into cars with their babies on a shoestring budget and met in hotel rooms to write bylaws and to be recognized as a profession. MANA was founded on a love of midwives and, ultimately, the families they serve, and this remains our core foundation. Looking towards the next 30 years, MANA is evolving to embrace the "new" tools of technology, social media and research. My vision is for every MANA member to have equal access to the profession and our organization because every community and every woman needs a midwife that best represents their own values and cultures. And, ultimately, MANA wishes to welcome a new generation of leaders into the movement to carry on this always hard, always beautiful, "groovy" work.

Peace, health and love to you, Marinah

To learn more about MANA's recent projects and strategic priorities, visit our new e-zine here.