We had the good fortune of connecting with Yenny James and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yenny, what inspires you?
My family, friends, and community inspire me daily. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of family, friends, and God who sustains me. They inspire me to reach my goals and continue even in the midst of adversity.

Community is the heart of Paradigm Doulas! As I see maternal mortality rates rising in our country, I am motivated to create programs that will make a difference. I have the honor of not only training birth workers who are passionate about reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, but also supporting expectant and postpartum parents who otherwise would not have had any support.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
When thinking about Paradigm Doulas, I am most proud of my students whose passion are impacting our communities, and also families who are finding their voices and strength during such a powerful, yet vulnerable time in their lives. With the maternal health crisis that women and birthing folks of color are facing in our country, It’s evident that a paradigm shift is needed in our communities. This is why Paradigm Doulas exists.

In establishing Paradigm Doulas, I’ve learned to take the road less traveled. I want us to reach communities that many have avoided. I want pregnant inmates to be supported and for Paradigm Doulas to continue to advocate for anti-shackling laws and better treatment during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I want refugees, victims of human trafficking, military families, and pregnant teens, especially those in foster care, to be supported. Most importantly, I want to unite with other organizations whose mission and vision align with Paradigm Doulas so that we can make a difference together. Uniting in this mission is so important in improving birth outcomes throughout our country.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being fairly new to DFW, there are so many gems that I have yet to discover! For family and friends who visit, I always take them to Parlor Doughnuts because they have the best donuts in town! I also can’t let them leave without taking them to the Stockyards to watch the longhorn cattle drive, the Fort Worth Water Gardens, Buc-ee’s, Coyote Drive-In movie theatre, and trying Texas BBQ.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Everyone in my circle deserves credit and recognition. I am so grateful for every person that God has placed in my path and every opportunity that God has entrusted me with.

My husband and children have been a huge support system for me. It’s not easy jumping into entrepreneurship, and their support has been essential to my success. I also recognize that I wouldn’t be where I am today without my experiences in the past 15 years. I can’t thank the providers and staff at Swedish Midwifery and Legacy Communith Health enough for molding me and allowing me to truly grow in my strength and passion.

To every person who goes through my training program, and every family who chooses me to be part of their journey, thank you. Paradigm Doulas would not exist without you!

Website: www.paradigmdoulas.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/paradigmdoulas

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/yennyjames

Facebook: www.facebook.com/paradigmdoulas

Image Credits
Alize Boggs

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.