Most women are navigating a maternal health system that often overlooks Black women and underserved communities—but what if the solutions were rooted in community-led, accessible care? In this exclusive interview with Crystina Hughes, she shares her inspiring journey from nurse to doula, revealing how she’s transforming maternal health in Alabama through innovative support programs tailored for families often left behind.

She didn’t start out planning to be a community change-maker, an experience with pregnancy loss and systemic disparities pushed her into action. Today, Crystina leads Diamonds for Doulas, a nonprofit providing childbirth support, advocacy, and education to WIC, Medicaid, and underserved families; support she believes is a matter of equity, not privilege.

In this conversation, she breaks down how community-led initiatives can reduce alarming maternal mortality rates, empower women with critical knowledge, and create a more inclusive, supportive maternal health landscape.

Read Crystina's exclusive interview in Mothered Magazine: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/the-magazine/spring-2026-issue ⁠Connect with Crystina: https://www.tiktok.com/@taytayncryssihttps://diamonds-for-doulas.square.site/Connect with Alexa: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexa.starks/ ⁠Follow Mothered Magazine: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mothered.magazine/⁠Want to be featured in the next issue of Mothered? Learn more about feature opportunities here: ⁠https://www.motheredmagazine.com/be-featured