DRIVE: Diversity, Representation, Inclusivity, Vision, Equity
DRIVE Committee
DRIVE is a committee open to any member of the Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition.
We are a small group of passionate people who are focused on increasing diversity in the lactation landscape.
We meet one evening a month for two hours via Zoom and we’d love more like-minded Coalition members to join our efforts so that we can learn and grow together while improving representation in the lactation field!
We’d love for you to join us! If you’re intrigued and want to help, please join us at one of our monthly meetings. We are always open to more hands, new ideas, creative social media plans, and would especially welcome those with skills in graphic design, public outreach, grant writing, and/or anything else that you may have to offer and/or share.
DRIVE meets on the first Wednesday of every month, from 6-8pm. Join us!
2023 Certified Breastfeeding Specialist Cohort – Applications Open Now
MBC’s DRIVE Committee is pleased to announce our 2023 CBS (Certified Breastfeeding Specialist) DRIVE Cohort. This opportunity is open to all Massachusetts residents and will cover the 52+ hour Core Lactation Consultant Course through Lactation Education Resources (LER). Applications for paid seats ($675) will be accepted on a rolling basis from now through July 31, 2023. The opportunity to apply for a full scholarship towards a cohort seat will be accepted from July 1 through July 31, 2023.
Equity Scholarship Program
One of the ways that we work to improve representation in the lactation field is by offering scholarships for lactation certifications to those who identify themselves as within marginalized populations.
In 2021 the DRIVE Committee awarded three CLC scholarships (over $800 value each). In 2022, the Committee hosted a cohort group scholarship for CBS certification. This scholarship covered the 52+ hour Core Lactation Consultant Course ($675 value) through Lactation Education Resources (LER), and six 90-minute DRIVE-hosted meetings throughout the process, with guest speakers and continuous opportunities to connect and learn from each other.
Stay tuned for an announcement about the recipients of our 2023 Equity Scholarship! This scholarship is for the sitting fee for a 2023 IBLCE exam. Consistent with one of MBC’s primary goals of increasing diversity in the lactation field, our scholarship process prioritized BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals from other marginalized groups, without excluding anyone.
Congratulations to our 2022 DRIVE cohort!
