WEPOWER

(7/12) “As a doula, I don’t make a lot of money, and I couldn’t take that much time off after I had Nathan Jr. My husband was working 60 hours a week selling cars, and I started back with my first client five months after giving birth. I’d take baby Nate to my appointments because it was difficult to find affordable childcare in our area. Then, with Kyren joining the picture a few years later, I had both of them coming with me to work when I was doing births, meeting with and bringing on new clients. I had also just begun public speaking about maternal and infant health and policy. Eventually, I was invited to a Respectful Care Luncheon hosted by Generate Health, SSM, and BJC. I was also scheduled to interview with Generate Health days after the event, and I knew my interviewer would be at that same event.

At the time, Kyren was three months old and wouldn’t let me out of his sight. Honestly, I figured no one would want to hire someone with a three-month-old and no prospects of childcare in the near future. I thought it was best if they found that out sooner rather than later, so I brought him to the luncheon. At the event, I shared my perspective as a mom and doula about my experience with finding care. I also introduced myself to my interviewer, who immediately looked straight at Kyren. My stomach dropped. She said, ‘Well, who is this?’ and took him out of my arms so I could eat while she walked around with him. That was such a relief.

On my first day with Generate Health, I didn’t bring Kyren to work, and I was asked about his whereabouts. I said he was at home with my mom. They were so accommodating, they told me, ‘If he needs to come with you, he needs to come with you.’ So from the time that Kyren was three months, and Nathan was two, they’ve both been running through these halls. The people at my job have helped take care of them and watch them. My kids grew up in this building, and everybody knows them.”

Kyra Betts, Manager of Policy and Advocacy, Generate Health STL

📷: Kiara Fite

The votes are in. Meet the creatives on July 15th! 💌 👀

Over 50 of you showed up to the June CWAG meeting! If you’re still feeling the high energy, you’re definitely not alone, so join us again next Wednesday.

Thanks to your voices and votes, our 4 storytelling cohort members have been officially selected!

RSVP Today to:
▪️Welcome the 2026 Creatives Cohort
▪️Learn about the August amendments and how you can take action
▪️Explore Commercial Real Estate with John Haines and Olena Borova of East Portlant CIT
🔗 bit.ly/4yaiRN6

Can we hear a little commotion for our 2026 Child Care Voter Hubs!

(3/7)

These hubs will be home for the next few weeks to those seeking:
▪️Education on the child care crisis and solutions to address it!
▪️A place to register to vote!
▪️A place to become a Child Care Voter!

🔆 All summer long, making child care a civil right. Pull Up!

Introducing our 2026 Child Care Voter Hubs!

(4/7)

These hubs will be home for the next few weeks to those seeking:
▪️education on the child care crisis and solutions to address it!
▪️A place to register to vote!
▪️A place to become a Child Care Voter!

🔆 All summer long, making child care a civil right. Pull Up!