Kyra Betts is a PhD student in the Public Health Sciences program. She earned her Masters degree from Webster University, where her capstone focused on culturally relevant childbirth preparation programs for Black families. Kyra has worked extensively at the intersection of policy, community health, and maternal well-being. Her passion for advocacy led her to roles in legislative organizing, public speaking, and curriculum development—including the creation of the nationally recognized Dads to Doulas program. Prior to beginning her PhD, she served as the Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Generate Health, a maternal and infant health nonprofit. Her desired research focuses on the impact of chronic stress on pregnancy outcomes in Black communities and the complex relationship between medical research and the Black community, using mixed methods to bridge policy, community, and academic knowledge
