Stronger Together: bi3

As we wrap up our current strategic plan and kick off the next strategic planning process, we are reflecting on the partnerships that got us here through the strength of collective impact. 

When we launched out current strategic plan, it was grounded in the core principles of systemic change and collective impact, with equity underlying all decisions and actions. Centering equity was and is more than a soundbite for our organization; it shifted our very foundation and structures of power.

Black mothers, regardless of socioeconomic status, were five times more likely to experience infant loss than White mothers in Hamilton County in 2021. That’s why lifting up and supporting Black women’s leadership and elevating Black women’s voices became one of our cornerstone strategies.

In order to take that leap – to follow the lead of our community – we needed to establish trust: trust between the Cradle Cincinnati team and community members, trust between health professionals and moms, and trust between funders and Cradle Cincinnati leadership. One funder that walked alongside us since the beginning is bi3.

Bi3 has been supporting maternal and infant health efforts for years, like the mom-centered approach of StartStong that led to a decrease in extreme preterm births in Hamilton County. They have also been a key partner throughout the entire Queens Village journey, from its initial launch in 2018 to the movement it is today. When Black women told us they wanted a space to rest, relax and repower, bi3 was there. When Black women told us that they wanted economic opportunities to advance their careers and support their families, bi3 was there. When Black women formed neighborhood wellness groups to reduce stress and support one another, bi3 was there. 

Centering equity requires those in positions of power to shift their mindsets, listen to and trust the people most impacted by poor birth outcomes, and act upon their recommendations. The bi3 team has fully embraced community-led change, and Hamilton County is stronger because of it. We challenge other funders and leaders to take notice and follow their lead.