Once Upon a Preemie, Inc.

Through Once Upon A Preemie Academy 2.0, we build power within healthcare systems by training providers—doulas, nurses, social workers, and community health workers—to deliver culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Participants are not only trained but positioned as equity leaders within their institutions, capable of shaping policies, practices, and patient engagement strategies. Storytelling is foundational to our model. Lived experiences of Black NICU families are embedded into curriculum design and delivery, ensuring that provider education reflects real-world challenges and elevates voices historically excluded from clinical decision-making. By combining workforce development with community-informed storytelling, OUAP strengthens leadership pipelines and shifts care systems toward more equitable, family-centered practices—advancing the Fund’s goals of building community power and supporting emerging leaders.