Building a supportive community in Hawaii! – Meet Wendy Taylor, one of our Scholarship Winners

Aloha,

My name is Wendy Taylor. I am a proud native of Chicago, Illinois, where I completed my high school education. I pursued my passion for pharmacy by attending college in Des Moines, Iowa. For the last 14 years, I have been fortunate to call the island of Oahu in Hawaii my home. Living here has allowed me to provide a wonderful environment for my children, immerse my family in the rich island culture, and build a supportive community away from my hometown. 

The Parenting Journey: ‘I Am Immensely Proud of the Balance and Discipline My Children Have Maintained’

My children, Otto (24), Ostin (21), and Olive (16) mean the world to me. Speaking about them fills my heart and soul with joy and purpose. They inspire me to be the best version of myself, and I am incredibly grateful and proud to be their mom. Their dedication to their personal and academic goals is truly admirable. I am immensely proud of the balance and discipline they have maintained and their resilience in defeating the odds of experiencing the challenges that a divorce can bring. My oldest son, Otto, is a dual degree student attending Morehouse College and Georgia Tech. My second son, Ostin, is currently studying at Tuskegee University. Both of them are on track to graduate next year. My daughter, Olive, is an 11th-grade student passionate about cooking, art, science, and math. What’s truly wonderful is that my children support and encourage each other. 

A Life Path of Helping Others

I am balancing my role as a part-time pharmacist with my studies as a non-traditional student, working towards a Master’s degree in Public Health with a specialization in health policy and management. I am in my final year of school and am involved in the Health Equity & Disability Inclusion Leadership program. Recently, I was accepted into the MCH-LEND Hawaii program, which focuses on providing support, resources, and advocacy for neurodiverse communities and individuals with disabilities. Throughout my journey, I’ve created many beautiful memories with my children, and it’s been fascinating to experience being in school alongside them.  

Fulfilling the Desire to Positively Impact Lives by Becoming a Doula

The decision to pursue a career as a Maternal Support Practitioner is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and a genuine desire to positively impact the lives of mothers and their children. The premature birth of my oldest son was a pivotal moment that inspired me to provide support to other mothers during the postpartum period. With the suggestion of my son’s pediatrician, embracing breastfeeding was a crucial part of my son’s care, and continuing to do so with my younger children has further fueled my passion for this field. Additionally, as a public health student, I am aware of the significant disparities in positive care experiences and health outcomes for marginalized families in terms of postpartum patient access, follow-up care, lactation services, and lifestyle management. This realization has motivated me to explore constructive ways to address these issues and work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system. I am currently in the process of shaping my plans beyond Bebo Mia. I recently attended a Business Skills class and am excited about learning in the upcoming sessions. There is a clear need to provide maternal support services and postpartum care to the community. I am committed to advocating for and finding ways to enhance patient outcomes and the overall care experience.

Learning with Bebo Mia

Bebo Mia is fantastic! I am extremely impressed with the curriculum, the support, the user-friendly nature of the program, and its accessibility and flexibility. Every week, the energy, expertise, and sense of community reaffirm my belief that I chose to study with an incredible organization. I can feel passion, purpose, and progress in the field. 

Winning the Scholarship while Overcoming new Challenges

I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen as the recipient of the Gold Coast Doulas- Ask the Doulas Podcast Scholarship and for the opportunity to do so with Bebo Mia. This scholarship will allow me to continue my mission of providing support and care for mothers, babies, families, and communities. The recent closure of the pharmacy where I worked for almost a decade posed unexpected challenges. As I navigate the changing job market as a pharmacist, I am also charged with managing the high cost of education for my children and myself and the overall cost of living. I am truly honored to be chosen for this scholarship.

With Gratitude, 

Wendy J Taylor

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Congratulations, Wendy! It’s a pleasure to have you as part of the Bebo Mia family! We are thrilled to celebrate your achievement in receiving the Gold Coast Doulas – Ask the Doulas Podcast Scholarship. Your journey as a pharmacist while pursuing your Master’s degree in Public Health is truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see how your personal experiences have ignited your passion for supporting mothers and families during their most vulnerable moments. We’re excited to witness the impact you will make as a Doula, empowering others through your knowledge and compassion.

Remember, we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way!

With love,

The Bebobabes 💕