Changing the Face of Birth Work, One Birth at a Time

Our Story

Fighting for Maternal & Infant Health Equity

At Community Doula Alliance, we are dedicated to bridging the gap in maternal and infant health disparities through comprehensive doula training and work force development so that families of color get the culturally congruent care they deserve.

About Community Doula Alliance

Community Doula Alliance is a Black-led non-profit organization committed to addressing maternal and infant health disparities. Our mission is to provide modern, professional, and relevant training for birth workers, ensuring that every family has access to exceptional doula care. Based in Portland, Oregon, we support families and train the next generation of doulas to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Our organization was founded with the vision of creating equitable health outcomes for all families. We offer a range of programs and services designed to educate and empower doulas, while advocating for systemic changes in maternal and infant healthcare. Join us in our mission to create a healthier, more equitable future.

The Birth of a Movement

Community Doula Alliance was created to center the Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other culturally diverse birth workers who are working in the communities made vulnerable by systems of oppression. We are intentional in our programming and doula support to address the public health crisis of the high infant and maternal mortality rates and improve pregnancy and birth outcomes for birthing families in order to meet the needs of our communities.

In the spring of 2020, Community Doula Alliance took shape from a shared vision of experienced birth professionals to transform the face of doula training and doula support offered in the Portland region as a a community-based doula organization. The organization was officially founded in September 2020 with the trailblazing leadership of Kimberly Porter and Marnellie Bishop, where they have grown the two major programs, Portland Doula Training & the Diverse Doula Program, as well as Team CDA to continue fighting for doulas and families of color to get the culturally congruent care they deserve.

Our Strategic Goals

Goal 1

  • Prepare Black, Indigenous & Latino/a/x doulas to succeed in the workforce by providing business training, mentoring, and a supportive peer community to ensure that they make a livable wage and build sustainable businesses.

Goal 2

  • Improve maternal-infant health outcomes, particularly within Black, Indigenous & Latino/a/x communities, by providing long-term, culturally-specific perinatal, labor support and postpartum doula care

Goal 3

  • Increase diversity in the doula profession by training Black, Indigenous & Latino/a/x as community doulas with the opportunity to become future curriculum trainers and doula facilitators.

Goal 4

  • Bridge the gap between doulas and the Traditional Health Worker registry process through our doula training pathway and business membership support.

Read CDA's Strategic Plan & Impact Report

2023-2026 Impact Report

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Our team at Community Doula Alliance are passionate leaders about addressing maternal infant health disparities. Each member brings unique expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission.

Kimberly Porter

Kimberly Porter

Founder & Executive Director

Nia Harris

Nia Harris

Grants Coordinator & Program Development

Ali Buchanan

Ali Buchanan

Marketing & Social Media

Marnellie Bishop

Marnellie Bishop

Chief Finance & Operations Officer

Jasmine Scott

Jasmine Scott

Doula Coordinator

Board Members include:

  • Board President – Kimberly Porter
  • Board Treasurer – Marnellie Bishop

Sponsor Our Mission to Transform the Face of Maternal Health

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in maternal and infant health? Community Doula Alliance is looking for dedicated sponsors to provide scholarships for future doulas and a safe space for families of color to receive the care they deserve. Help us bridge the gap in maternal & infant disparities.  Be a part of a movement and donate today!