A woman in a white lab coat holding a stethoscope shaped like a heart while smiling in a park with trees and benches.

We are proud to be driving real change in the lactation field by centering equity, access, and representation. To date, we have supported 8 Women of Color on their journeys to becoming International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), with several more currently in mentorship and preparing for their exams. Our program provides not only educational guidance and clinical hour placements, but also financial support and community-based mentorship—key elements that help remove the systemic barriers many BIPOC professionals face.

By building partnerships with local hospitals, private practices, and community health organizations, we’re expanding pathways for future IBCLCs of Color while simultaneously increasing access to culturally responsive lactation care for the families who need it most. Every participant we support represents a step forward in reshaping the face of lactation care—and we’re just getting started.

OUR IMPACT

Congratulations to the New IBCLCs!

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Michelle Flores, RN, IBCLC

Portrait of a woman with black curly hair, wearing a black and white top and pearl necklace, smiling against a gray background.
A woman smiling outdoors with a wooden walkway and greenery in the background.

Dionne Lowndes, RN, IBCLC

Donnette Robinson-Leon IBCLC, Nutritionist

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A woman with braided blonde hair and a beige head wrap, smiling outdoors in front of trees, wearing a light blue dress with puffed sleeves and a brown belt.

Taylor Smith, IBCLC, Doula

A woman with dark, curly, twisted hair and makeup sitting inside a vehicle.

Tenesha Davis, IBCLC

Nia Michel, IBCLC

A woman with curly brown hair and a bright smile, wearing a gray blouse and a gold necklace that says 'Blessed'.
A young woman with dark hair, wearing a headband and earrings, smiling in a close-up photo.

Brandi Miller, IBCLC, Doula

Dorleen Santana, RD, IBCLC

Testimonials

  • This is an amazing program to participate in if you are on your way to becoming an IBCLC. Dani and her team are committed to helping you succeed, from ensuring that you meet your educational requirements to locating mentors for you to complete your clinical hours with, PTW does IT ALL! I'm so grateful to Danielle for ALL of her help, reassurance throughout this process and guidance to stay on track. If you aspire to be an IBCLC.... get in touch with Dani!!

    Brandi M. (Cohort 3)

  • To become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a rigorous feat. However, Dani at Paving The Way is blazing a pathway for Black and Brown professionals and upgrading how lactation services can be delivered. Now, more of Connecticut's most vulnerable breastfeeding families can access an IBCLC who looks like them and provide culturally appropriate care. I'm extremely proud to be the first graduate of PTW! Thanks Paving The Way!

    Dionne L. (Cohort 1)

  • I’m so grateful for PTW for making my goal of becoming an IBCLC possible. As a registered dietitian, my mission is to increase breastfeeding rates by providing individualized support that empowers parents and improves infant health. Breastfeeding plays a critical role in establishing a strong nutritional foundation, and by becoming an IBCLC, I can bridge the gap between nutrition and lactation, helping families navigate their feeding journeys with confidence. This journey has been long and challenging, but I’ve never felt alone thanks to the unwavering guidance and encouragement from Danielle and Tenesha. Their support has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate PTW’s dedication to helping aspiring IBCLCs succeed. Thanks to them, I am an IBCLC who aspires to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families.

    Dorleen S. (Cohort 3)