A'tinna Merchant
Maternal Health Technician
Empathetic • Resilient • Community-Rooted
A’tianna walks beside Black mothers with care, power, and lived understanding—ensuring their voices are heard and their needs respected. As a Maternal Health Technician and doula-in-training, she provides emotional support, resource navigation, and advocacy for those too often overlooked in healthcare systems. In partnership with the Welcome Baby initiative, A’tianna builds relationships with families and hospitals to bridge gaps in maternal care. Her work is a personal mission rooted in her own journey as a mother, and every visit she makes is guided by a vision of dignity, safety, and legacy for the next generation.
A'tianna Story
A’tianna Merchant (she/her) is a dedicated Maternal Health Technician at We All Rise: African American Resource Center Inc., where she plays a pivotal role in supporting Black mothers and families. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, and raised between Englewood on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, A’tianna’s life experiences have deeply influenced her commitment to maternal health and advocacy.
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Growing up as one of seven siblings, A’tianna witnessed her teenage mother face significant challenges, including economic hardship, domestic violence, and systemic inequities. These experiences taught her the value of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of creating supportive systems for families in need.
Her personal journey into motherhood, marked by the birth of her daughter Ayla, who recently turned four, deepened her empathy and dedication to ensuring that Black mothers receive respectful and comprehensive care. Witnessing disparities in maternal care within the Black community further fueled her passion for creating spaces where Black mothers feel respected, cared for, and safe.
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In her role at We All Rise, A’tianna emphasizes the importance of emotional and physical support, aligning perfectly with her responsibilities as a maternal health technician and doula trainee. She has observed firsthand how Black women are often misunderstood and their concerns minimized in healthcare settings, leading to adverse outcomes. Recognizing that these disparities are rooted in systemic issues, A’tianna has made it her mission to advocate for better care and understanding. Through her work, she strives to create spaces where Black mothers feel heard and respected, and she aims to educate healthcare providers to deliver equitable care, thereby bridging the gap in maternal health outcomes.
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Balancing motherhood, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), training as a doula, and pursuing nursing studies have taught A’tianna resilience and the importance of prioritization. These experiences have deepened her empathy, as she understands the challenges many mothers face in juggling responsibilities. Her greatest strength lies in her ability to make individuals feel seen and heard, approaching every interaction with understanding and the belief that each person deserves individualized care tailored to their needs.
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A’tianna’s long-term goal is to become an expert and educator in Black maternal healthcare. She aspires to leverage her nursing background to not only improve maternal outcomes but also to create a legacy of empowerment for Black women within the nursing field. She hopes to leave a legacy of advocacy, compassion, and empowerment—not just for her daughter but for every Black mother and family she touches. A’tianna wants her daughter to grow up knowing the importance of advocating for others and working to make the world a better place for women like her, inspiring her to carry that same mission forward