Joia A. Crear-Perry, MD, FACOG

Dr. Crear-Perry is a physician, policy expert, thought leader, and advocate for transformational justice. As the founder and president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, she identifies and challenges racism as a root cause of health inequities. She is a highly sought-after trainer and speaker who has been featured in national and international publications including Essence and Ms. In 2020, She was honored by USA Today in its "Women of the Century" series and featured on “Nightline’s” “Hear Her Voice” on ABC. Dr. Crear-Perry has twice addressed the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to elevate the cause of gender diversity and urge a human rights framework toward addressing maternal mortality. Previously, she served as the executive director of the Birthing Project, director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Jefferson Community Health Care Centers, and as the director of Clinical Services for the City of New Orleans Health Department. She currently serves as a principal at Health Equity Cypher and on the board of trustees for Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Community Catalyst, National Clinical Training Center for Family Planning, and the University of California San Francisco Preterm Birth Initiative. After completing undergraduate studies at Princeton University and Xavier University of Louisiana, she received her medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Tulane University School of Medicine.