XAVIERA 'ZAY' BELL, MS, CD, CLE, cHET
A call for equity in maternal health | Zay Bell | TEDxWilsonPark
Black women in the United States are two to three times more likely to lose their lives or the lives of their children due to preventable pregnancy complications. This is not a statistic—it’s a crisis. In this powerful and deeply personal talk, Zay Bell shares the story of her son, Xander, and how systemic bias in healthcare failed them both. She shines a light on the devastating racial disparities in maternal care, the historical roots of those inequities, and the ongoing impact on Black mothers and babies today. But this talk is more than a story—it’s a call to action. Zay Bell challenges us to dismantle biases, advocate for equitable healthcare policies, and invest in community-based solutions like Black doulas and midwifery services. Black women are no longer seeking allies; they are demanding accomplices who will fight alongside them for change.
Lecturer • Conversation Curator• Trainer • TEDx Speaker
Xaviera "Zay" Bell is an internationally recognized TEDx Speaker, facilitator, trainer, maternal health advocate, and author dedicated to transforming conversations around reproductive justice, birth equity, maternal mental health, and Black infant mortality.
Following the devastating loss of her son, Xander, Zay turned her grief into purpose, becoming a leading voice in maternal and infant health advocacy. She is the founder and executive director of Zeal of Xander, Inc. and founder of The Black Birth Institute, two organizations committed to addressing disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes while empowering Black women, families, and communities through education, advocacy, workforce development, and culturally responsive care.
Zay is the creator of The Mourning After, the first-ever anthology dedicated to Black Infant Mortality, amplifying the voices and experiences of families impacted by infant loss. She is also the author of Black Womb Disorder, a powerful work that examines systemic inequities, reproductive health challenges, and the lived experiences of Black women navigating maternal healthcare systems.
Holding a Master of Science degree, Zay has completed specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and is certified as a full-spectrum doula, community-based doula, and life coach with specialized training in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her multidisciplinary expertise allows her to bridge the gaps between healthcare, community advocacy, mental health, and organizational change.
As a sought-after speaker, trainer, and facilitator, Zay has engaged audiences across healthcare systems, universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Her presentations challenge institutions to address inequities, implement sustainable solutions, and center the voices of those most impacted by maternal and infant health disparities. Known for her ability to combine evidence-based research with compelling storytelling, she creates transformative learning experiences that inspire action and drive meaningful change.
Through her leadership, advocacy, and lived experience, Zay continues to shape national conversations around birth equity, reproductive justice, maternal mental health, and Black infant mortality, working toward a future where every family has access to respectful, equitable, and life-affirming care.