Jazzmin Shakir, Education Specialist
You went from a client, to a birthworker, to now being an education specialist. What has that experience been like?
Jazzmin Shakir: This journey has been enriching yet challenging. I was a stay-at-home mom for eight years before starting PCHW (Perinatal Community Health Worker) training and dealt with deeply embedded imposter syndrome and doubt in my ability. Through this process, I have gained confidence, learned new skills, and learned to appreciate my natural gifts. This experience has been full circle, and I am excited to start training the new perinatal community health workers.
So many people receive help and forget to pay it forward and help others. Why was it important to you to come back and work with Mamatoto Village?
The sisterhood at Mamatoto Village called me in like a moth to a flame. Upon receiving support from Mamatoto, I knew I wanted to be a part of the village. I have always wanted to help Black women in an impactful way, and the mission of Mamatoto Village was in alignment with my purpose and personal goals. All Black women deserve to be loved and cared for the way I was during my time as a client. I was committed to figuring out a way to do the same.
Can you talk about what initially made you come to Mamatoto village and not another organization when you were a client?
I am someone who thrives in community with others and seeks out support when needed. At five months pregnant with my third child, I was scared and nervous that I would be alone in my pregnancy journey and birth. When I called out to my Facebook community, Mamatoto Village was the ONLY organization recommended. When I called, they immediately worked with me to join the program.
Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for young people who don’t live in D.C. but want to help in their own communities?
Stay open and lean into unconventional pathways to support your community. Show up for yourself so that you can show up for others.
What are your hopes for Mamatoto Village in 10 years?
My hope for Mamatoto Village in 10 years is to purchase more property to expand our reach into the housing crisis impacting our clients and to grow our Mothers Rising program to various communities within the DMV and beyond.