At Black Infant Health (BIH), our community is our heartbeat, and keeping that connection strong takes a special kind of dedication. In this special feature, we sit down with our Community Outreach Liaison, Aleana R. Monroe, to talk about what it really means to build bridges between families and the care they deserve. From the simple, everyday wellness rituals that keep her grounded to her vision of connecting with mothers on a global scale, she opens up about her journey, her daily “why,” and the powerful gift of resilience. Get ready to meet a vital part of your BIH village!
Question: Tell us about your role at BIH and share which part of your day-to-day work truly ‘fills your cup’.
In my role as Community Outreach Liaison at BIH, I focus on recruitment by building and maintaining strong relationships with medical and community partners. I like to think of this work as helping keep the organization’s lifeblood flowing – ensuring a steady connection between the people we serve and the care they need. What truly fills my cup is seeing those connections come to life. Witnessing individuals receive the support, attention, and care they deserve during such an important time in their lives is incredibly meaningful to me.
Question: In our current theme of ‘Prioritizing Healthy’, what is one small wellness ritual you swear by to stay grounded?
I swear by daily walks – they’re essential for me. While activities like regular facials and massages sound amazing, they’re not always realistic (or affordable), especially for the average mom. Getting outside, even for a short walk, is my go-to wellness ritual. It’s a simple way to clear my mind, reset, and get in some healthy movement at the same time.
Question: If you could set up a BIH ‘welcome table’ anywhere in the world for one day to reach the most moms, where would it be and why?
If I could set up a BIH ‘welcome table’ anywhere in the world (outside of Africa), I’d choose Salvador, Brazil. It’s often called the ‘Blackest city outside of Africa’, with a rich culture and one of the largest populations of people of African descent. Within Africa, my choice would be Lagos, Nigeria – home to vibrant, growing population and an incredible number of women and mothers. Both cities feel like powerful places to connect with and support the communities we serve.
Question: If you could share one ‘superpower’ or fun fact about yourself with our BIH moms, what would it be?
My superpower is resilience. While I’ve been blessed in many ways, I’ve also faced challenges – especially with my physical and mental health. Those experiences have taught me the importance of finding your ‘why’ each day, even when things feel heavy. Resilience isn’t about having it all together – it’s about showing up, doing your best, and continuing to move forward. Every challenge we face helps shape us into stronger, more powerful versions of ourselves.
If you would like to find out about BIH can help you, reach out to our San Diego County Black Infant Health Program at 619-266-7466.