Zay Bell

After the loss of her son Xander, Xaviera "Zay" Bell became a passionate advocate for maternal health. She is the creator and founder of two impactful nonprofits, Zeal of Xander, Inc and The Black Birth Institute. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, she is dedicated to addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by black women and families in her community. Zay holds a Master of Science degree and has also completed specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). In addition to her full spectrum and community-based doula certifications, Zay is also a certified life coach with a focus on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This combination of skills enables her to provide holistic support, addressing not only the physical aspects of maternal health but also the emotional and mental well-being of her clients. As the founder of The Black Birth Institute, Zay is dedicated to addressing the disparities faced by Black women in maternal health outcomes. Through this nonprofit, she strives to provide culturally competent care, education, and advocacy to empower Black women and families throughout their reproductive journey.