MAYA HARDIGAN MAE
FOUNDER & CEO
When we talk about cultural competency in care , it ’ s really about a commitment to wholeperson care and the entirety of their culture .”
MAYA HARDIGAN , a mother of three with 15 years of experience working in healthcare product innovation , says that the lack of cultural competency in maternal care — the ability to treat and respond to patients across cultural differences effectively — shows up acutely in how doctors address Black women ’ s pain and other symptoms .
“ When we express concerns , we ’ re not responded to in the same way as others ,” she says .
She launched
Mae in September 2021 with
a $ 1.3 million round of pre-seed funding , to help Black mothers take control of their birth experience . The digital platform features pregnancy tracking tools , real-time physical and emotional risk escalation support , culturally resonant resources , and connections to a network of community-based birthing experts .
Mae ’ s birth plan tool lets mothers tailor their goals and create a written road map that can guide them and their providers through the experience they want to have . The platform also has personalized , culturally specific care tips — encouraging women to book a gestational diabetes screening , for example , recognizing that Black women are more likely to experience complications from the disease .
“ Disparities not only put us at risk , but can also lead to long-standing health consequences for our children ,” says Hardigan . “ So many of these complications are avoidable . They also drive significant costs into the healthcare system .”
ERICA CHIDI LOOM
COFOUNDER & CEO
We can ’ t make decisions about caring for Black women without having Black women at the table .”
WHEN ERICA CHIDI , a trained doula , was first developing the idea for
Loom , a well-being educational platform for women ’ s reproductive health , she recognized the need to focus on Black women and the disproportionate challenges they face in getting quality care .
“ There ’ s a quote that ’ s often said : ‘ We ’ re not free until we ’ re all free ,’ ” she notes . “ Care disparity creates a negative impact for everyone .”
Launched in 2017 as a physical space in Los Angeles , Loom transitioned to a digital platform in 2020 amid the pandemic . The platform offers educational resources and support related to pregnancy and postpartum care , including on-demand videos , audio conversations , guides , and live community support sessions , or Gather Groups , facilitated by Loom experts .
“ With tools like these , mothers feel a sense of reduced anxiety , are more confident and prepared , and are better able to speak with their care providers .” — erica chidi , ceo , loom
This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here .
CAPTION LEAD IN This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here . This is caption copy here .
HP / INNOVATION / SPRING 2022 19