Featured: Oceanside FHA Kesha Hammond with her daughter Kameryn and son King
This month, we’re excited to introduce you to Kesha Hammond, one of our incredible Oceanside Family Health Advocates and a mom of two! She’s sharing a peek into her life of being a working mom, having a growing family, and how she prioritizes “me” time. Also, check out her relatable wisdom on how you, too, can reclaim a little bit of “you” time, starting with small steps.
Could you tell us a little about your family?
I am a mother to my beautiful 12-year-old daughter Kameryn (Kami) and my sweet 8-month old son King. My partner, Travon, is a New York transplant who has recently been honorably discharged from the Navy. We also have two fur babies (cats) Sage and Binx. We live in Carlsbad, CA and enjoy spending time with each other, going to the beach, and lounging at home.
What journey led you to bring your skills and talents to BIH?
My journey to Black Infant Health is both personal and professional. As a former participant in the program, I experienced firsthand the power of culturally affirming support during pregnancy and postpartum. It made me feel supported and empowered during a critical time in my life, and that stuck with me. Professionally, I’ve spent over six years managing and supporting departments in a private healthcare practice, where I’ve advocated for patients and helped bridge gaps between providers and the patients we serve. Over time, I felt a growing pull toward community health, especially in spaces that uplift and serve Black women and mothers. I started referring other women to BIH and seeking out programs with similar missions, because I knew how impactful that support could be.
Now, as a mother of two, I understand on an even deeper level how critical it is to have safe, supportive spaces for Black mothers. Bringing my healthcare knowledge, leadership experience, and lived understanding to Black Infant Health feels like a natural next step and a meaningful way to give back to a program that once supported me.
What is your role at BIH, and what does that involve?
As a Family Health Advocate/Group Facilitator, my role is about supporting and empowering Black moms through every stage of their pregnancy and early motherhood. I plan to help connect them to resources, whether it’s healthcare, housing, mental health support, or parenting tools, and make sure they feel seen, heard, and supported.
In group sessions, I will create a safe space for moms to share, learn, and build community. My goal is to utilize the curriculum to encourage open conversations and make sure each mom walks away feeling more confident, informed, and connected.
What do you love most about working here?
What I love most, or what I’m most looking forward to, is being part of a space that truly uplifts Black women and creates community. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by women who share similar experiences and supporting each other through motherhood.
I’m especially excited about building those relationships and watching moms grow in confidence as they learn, share, and support one another. Just being able to give back to a program that once poured into me feels really full-circle and meaningful.
What’s something you do for yourself that’s completely separate from your role as a mom?
Something I do for myself that’s completely separate from being a mom is making time for self-care such as quiet moments like journaling or going for a solo walk. It gives me space to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with myself outside of motherhood. Even just playing my favorite music and being still for a bit helps me feel grounded and reminded of who I am beyond the mom role.
What’s one piece of advice you have for our BIH moms on how they can make time for themselves outside of motherhood?
One piece of advice I’d give is: start small and don’t feel guilty about it. Even just 10–15 minutes a day doing something just for you, whether it’s taking a walk, listening to music, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea can make a big difference. You deserve that time, and taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it helps you show up as a stronger, more present mom.
What’s your favorite social activity that brings you joy and reminds you of who you are beyond being a mom?
One of my favorite social activities is getting together with close friends for brunch or a simple girls’ night. Just laughing, catching up, and having real conversations reminds me of who I am outside of being a mom. It brings me joy, recharges my spirit, and helps me stay connected to myself and the people who know me beyond the role of motherhood.
For the BIH moms who feel like “Mom” seems to be their only title now, what’s one little thing a fellow mama could do that makes her feel like herself again?
One little thing a fellow mama could do is revisit something she loved before becoming a mom, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Whether that’s dancing to her favorite song, doing her hair a certain way, journaling, or putting on an outfit that makes her feel good. It’s those small moments that remind her she’s still her, not just “Mom.” It doesn’t have to be big to be powerful.
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.