GOLD Speakers

Panel Discussion 1

• Speaker Type: 2025 Main Presentations
• Country: GOLD

Biography:

Mariana was born in Mexico City, and from an early age she was fascinated by animals and nature. She studied medicine at the National University of Mexico (UNAM), and found her passion as a pediatrician doing my residency at the National Pediatric Institute. Mariana recently migrated with her family to the UK where she is working in Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics. When her first child was born she witnessed the lack of knowledge and commitment with breastfeeding within the medical profession so she decided to specialize in breastfeeding medicine. Certified as a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2011.

Mariana is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and a proud founding member of the National Lactation Consultant Association of Mexico (ACCLAM), where she served on the Board of Directors as Education Coordinator (2014-2019). She is part of the board director for the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine for 3 year period (2019-2022) and actual secretary for the ABM (2022-2025). She has been practicing in London United Kingdom since June 2022. She has been part of expert committees for the World Health Organization, and consultant for the National Health Institute in Mexico and has collaborated with UNICEF in breastfeeding projects.

Mariana has spoken at national and international conferences, co-published numerous articles, and co-authored a chapter for the National Academy of Medicine. Her commitment is to contribute to a medical profession better prepared to support breastfeeding and support students to become IBCLC.

Elizabeth (she/her/kwe) is a mother of two sparkling human beings, an Indigenous Lactation Counselor, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, perinatal mental health advocate, a retired professional chef, and eternal food justice advocate. She is an enrolled citizen of Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, descendant of Forest County Potawatomi, and carries heritage from Mexico, Germany, and Appalachia. She strives to honor these pieces of her life and all her ancestors through her work. In her role at Open Arms Perinatal Services, she provides community-matched, relationship-based direct service to bodyfeeding dyads and mentors rising lactation professionals of color. Additionally, she provides robust lactation education to midwifery students attending the Cedar Medicine School of Midwifery, and is the Michigan WIC Indigenous Breastfeeding Liaision, as well as frequently speaking for audiences at conferences and educational engagements across Turtle Island.

Dr Shela Hirani is an Associate Professor at the University of Regina, Canada. She is a maternal and child health nursing professional, researcher, lactation consultant and an advocate of baby-friendly initiatives. Her breastfeeding advocacy in Canada and Pakistan has promoted breastfeeding, dismantled breastfeeding barriers, led to a baby-friendly movement, and informed programs, policies and practices in disaster relief camps, post-secondary institutions, workplaces and public spaces where breastfeeding mothers often struggle. Dr Hirani received several honors for her contributions, including World Health Organization's top 100 outstanding women nurse leaders (2020), the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2023), Saskatchewan Multicultural Leadership Award from the Governor (2022), and YWCA Women of distinction award (2022). She is an honored listee in Marquis Who's is Who® 2023. She is an elected board member of reputable international, national, and provincial organizations. She is providing quality mentorship to nurses and nursing students to prepare the next generation of leaders in breastfeeding advocacy.