MMB Real Talk

The Midwifery Mentoring & Belonging (MMB) program is committed to mentorship, community building, and fostering meaningful experiences for the greater BIPOC midwifery community in CA (currently, the program is only for students at UCSF (University of California at San Francisco) + California State University Fullerton). MMB promotes structured support along each student's education journey. The monthly MMB Real Talk sessions are one of MMB's offerings to build community. 

What is MMB Real Talk?

A Mentor-Led Space focused on requested topics. An informal sharing and discussion space led by an MMB mentor. Mentors discuss a topic of interest identified in advance such as spiritual or traditional practices, political advocacy, self-care, and more. 

Who can join the monthly sessions?

Live sessions are for current MMB mentors and mentees. The sessions are 1 hour in length starting with a 30 min presentation led by a mentor and ending with a 30-minute discussion. The first 30 minutes of each session (the presentation) are recorded and available here for public viewing. The last 30-minute discussion is not recorded to respect participants' privacy. 

Preparing the Practitioner April 2024

Join us for a discussion focused on the transition from supervised to indepedent. 

Presented by: Charlette Withers, CNM

Presentation Slides

No One Can Do This Quite Like You March 2024

Join us for a discussion focused on finding your niche in midwifery and celebrating your journey. 

Presented by: Brittany Edwards, CNM, WHNP

Presentation Slides 

Establishing and Maintaining Self-Care in Midwifery November 2023

Join us for a discussion focused on establishing and mantaining self-care as a midwife. 

Presented by: Aiyana Davison, CNM

Presentation Slides


Becoming a Midwife Researcher June 2023

Join us for a discussion focused on navigating a career as both a midwife and a researcher.

Presented by: Melanie Cabezas Phipps, PhD, RN, CNM, FNP-C

Presentation Slides


Early Career Strategies & Tips for a Rewarding Midwifery Career May 2023

Join us for a discussion focused on strategies and tips for navigating your midwifery career.

Presented by: Azaduhi (Azy) Kalaydjian MSN, APRN, PHN, CNM, WHNP-BC

Presentation Slides


How to Incorporate Lactation Support into Your Work! April 2023

Join us for a discussion focused on incorporating lactation education and breastfeeding counseling in your midwifery practice.

Presented by: Amita Graham, CNM

Presentation Slides


Interviewing for Midwifery Positions - March 2023

Join us for a discussion focused on the different stages of the interview process for midwifery positions!

Presented by: Diana Rumbo, CNM

Presentation Slides


You've Graduated Midwifery School: Now What? - February 2023 

Join us for a discussion focused on: An Exploration of the Stages of Growth + Self-Discovery after Midwifery School!

Presented by: Brittney Wood, CNM

Presentation Slides

Trauma-Informed Midwifery Care - January 2023 

Join a discussion focused on sharing information regarding trauma-informed midwifery care: definitions, skills, and wellness practices. Presented by: María Rivera, LM, CPM

Presentation Slides

Transitions - August 2022 

Join me as I walk through my midwifery journey, including my most recent transition - from catching babies in the hospital setting to catching babies in the comfort of their home. Presented by: Aiyana Davison, CNM

Slides not available for this presentation - please review the recording for all relevant content!

Sacred Womb - July 2022

How to turn a blood mess into positive action? Presented by: Marina Alzugaray, CPM, CNM

Slides not available for this presentation - please review the recording for all relevant content!

MMB Logo, photo of Asmara Gebre, title and date of session

A Framework for Our Success - June 2022

Navigating your midwifery educational journey with integrity, accountability, and clarity. Presented by: Asmara Gebre, CNM

Presentation Slides

MMB Logo, photo of Tia Thompson, title and date of session

Balancing Service and Self-Care - May 2022

How do we present/treat burnout & compassion fatigue? For folks who serve populations that are in deep struggle. Presented by: Tia Thompson, CNM

Presentation Slides

MMB Logo, photo of Charlette Withers, title and date of session

Imposter Syndrome - April 2022

How to navigate through imposter syndrome as a student and beyond. Presented by: Charlette Withers, CNM

Presentation Slides

MMB Logo, photo of Diana Rumbo, title and date of session

Practice Settings - March 2022

Things to consider when looking into different practice settings for your first midwifery job. Presented by: Diana Rumbo, CNM

Presentation Slides

MMB Logo, photo of Marina Alzugaray, title and date of session

Culture in Care in All Settings - February 2022

A Birth Justice Perspective.  Why and how to provide cultural competent midwifery care in all childbirth settings.  Presented by: Marina Alzugaray, CPM, CNM

Presentation Slides

MMB Logo, photo of Yen Dahl, title and date of session

Navigating Preceptors and Clinical Settings - January 2022

How to maximize your time with a preceptor and in a clinical setting. Presented by: Yen Dahl, CNM

Presentation Slides