Maternal health is more than a profession for Althea Jones—it’s a calling. With over a decade of experience as a registered midwife, Althea has dedicated her career to providing compassionate care to mothers and newborns while championing improved outcomes for Black families during the perinatal period.
In 2021, Althea founded **Ancestral Hands Midwives**, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to transform Black maternal health in Canada. By prioritizing education, access, and empowerment, Ancestral Hands Midwives works to address disparities in care and create better experiences for Black parents and their babies. Althea’s vision is rooted in community, and her work is a testament to the positive changes that can happen when passion meets purpose.
A Leader in the Midwifery Community
Althea doesn’t just practice midwifery—she’s a leader shaping the future of the profession. As president of the Association of Ontario Midwives’ board of directors, she advocates for diversity and equity within the field. One of her key goals is to increase the representation of Black midwives and improve their retention, ensuring the profession reflects the diverse communities it serves.
Althea is also a mentor to BIPOC midwifery students, providing guidance and encouragement to the next generation of care providers. Her community outreach initiatives aim to inspire others to pursue careers in midwifery and maternal health.
From Athlete to Advocate
Before pursuing midwifery, Althea earned a degree in biology at the University of Arizona, where she attended on a soccer scholarship as an NCAA Division I athlete. She credits her time in sports for equipping her with the resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that have fueled her career and advocacy work. As a strong supporter of women in sports, Althea continues to champion the power of perseverance and empowerment in all areas of life.
Bridging Gaps in Black Maternal Health
Althea’s work with Ancestral Hands Midwives extends beyond clinical care. Through initiatives like the **Birthing While Black Free Course**, she educates families, birth workers, and healthcare professionals about the unique challenges and systemic barriers Black people face during the perinatal period. This course is just one example of how Althea is breaking down barriers and fostering understanding to improve Black maternal health outcomes.
Capturing the Moments That Matter
For expecting and new families, preserving the journey of parenthood is a priceless gift. That’s where **Magnetic Creatives** steps in, led by Minuete, a passionate photographer, doula, and mother. Minuete understands the profound significance of every stage—pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—and works to give families lasting memories through her photography sessions.
Magnetic Creatives is about to launch a sub-company, **Magnetic Connections - Doula & Photography**, designed to merge doula care with photography, creating holistic and meaningful experiences for families. Minuete’s mission is to offer women the gift of preserving their most transformative moments, empowering them through visual storytelling.
By partnering with Magnetic Connections the goal is to amplify the impact of both doulas, Midwives, and birth workers. Together, they offer families compassionate care and stunning keepsakes to cherish forever.
Join the Movement
Althea’s dedication to maternal health and Minuete’s vision for empowering families through photography inspire a new era in Black maternal care. To learn more about Ancestral Hands Midwives, visit ancestralhands.ca. You can also explore the **Birthing While Black Free Course** and follow her journey on YouTube.
Discover more about Magnetic Creatives and their upcoming launch of Magnetic Connections by signing up for our newsletter or by following our YouTube channel for more updates: Magnetic Creatives Motivation
By amplifying voices like Althea’s and Minuete’s, we can support meaningful change and ensure that all families receive the care, dignity, and respect they deserve during one of life’s most transformative journeys.
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About Minuete-Dawn
A visual artist, photographer, filmmaker, and full-spectrum doula who believes every family deserves to feel supported and seen. As a mother to a two-year-old, she brings both lived experience and professional care to her work. Through photography and film, she captures life’s most powerful moments—especially pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—creating meaningful stories families can return to for years to come.
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