In Louisville, access to prenatal and postpartum care is a challenge for many families. One leader working to close that gap is Shemika Whiteside, executive director of Zora’s Cradle, where she helps families with everything from procuring milk and diapers to accessing housing, therapy and advocacy resources.

I sat down with Shemika to talk about what led her to start the nonprofit and what she sees as the biggest needs in maternal care today.

This interview was edited for clarity and length.

Ayisha Jaffer: What does Zora's Cradle provide on a daily basis?

Shemika Whiteside: We provide access to community-based resources and mental health services for people who are pregnant or postpartum. This is not necessarily just for moms. This is for family members who may be impacted by the preg

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