FOUNDER| SHANA PHILLIPS
Shana Phillips is a nurse, maternal health leader, and the Founder of Gifted Hands International—an organization committed to closing critical gaps in maternal health by expanding access to culturally competent, professional doula care. Guided by faith, compassion, and excellence, Shana leads with a deep commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality through education, service, and advocacy.
Shana is also a proud wife and mother of two, and she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to the work of supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
HER WHY
Gifted Hands International was founded in response to a deeply personal loss. Shana’s sister passed away shortly after birth due to medical neglect and disrespect during her care. Experiencing that loss within her family revealed the devastating impact that gaps in maternal healthcare can have on mothers, babies, and entire communities.
That experience shaped Shana’s lifelong passion for advocacy—first for herself and her family, and ultimately for families navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Today, she continues this work by building a stronger doula workforce and helping ensure families are seen, heard, supported, and protected during one of the most vulnerable times of their lives.
LEADERSHIP, TRAINING & IMPACT
Shana is a highly sought-after trainer and consultant known for creating learning environments that are educational, interactive, and inspiring. In addition to training aspiring doulas, she provides professional development, training, and consulting for organizations working to improve maternal health outcomes, strengthen culturally competent care, and expand access to quality support for families.
She has delivered training and consulting for organizations including UIC, Family Focus, Goodwill, the University of Chicago, Family Christian Health, and many more.
Shana has also trained over 100 doulas across nine states and two countries, equipping birth workers with advanced, professional-level skills and a strong foundation in culturally competent care.
Shana made history by teaching the first peer doula training program in an Illinois prison, expanding access to birth education and advocacy for incarcerated communities and demonstrating her commitment to equity, dignity, and maternal health justice.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & POLICY ENGAGEMENT
Shana serves on multiple committees throughout the state of Illinois, with a strong focus on maternal health initiatives in the city of Chicago. She is frequently invited to share her expertise and lived experience with community leaders and policymakers across Illinois, contributing to conversations and solutions that strengthen maternal health systems and improve outcomes for families.
NATIONAL INFLUENCE & SYSTEMS CHANGE
Shana currently serves on Yale University’s Technical Expert Committee, where she contributed to the development of birthing-friendly hospital standards designed to support safer, more respectful care for families across the nation.
She also serves on the Medicaid Community Advisory Boards for both Illinois and Indiana, supporting initiatives that improve access, quality, and equity in maternal healthcare.
A MESSAGE FROM SHANA…..
“I believe every family deserves culturally competent care, informed support, and strong advocacy throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This work is personal, and it is purposeful. Together, we can close the gaps in maternal health and create safer, more supported birth experiences for all.”
BOOK SHANA
To book Shana Phillips for speaking engagements, trainings, consultations, or professional development sessions, please contact us at info@giftedhandsinternational.org.
