Public Health Strategist & Maternal Health Advocate; Co-Founder of Birth Detroit & Birth Center Equity; Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow
Leseliey Welch Biography
Leseliey Welch, MPH, MBA, is a public health strategist, social entrepreneur, and writer with a career focused on birth equity and community-centered care. Welch earned an undergraduate degree in women's studies, a Master of Public Health with a certificate in women's and reproductive health, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. Her work in maternal health began at King Edward Hospital in Durban, South Africa, where she observed the impact of global health inequities on access to care and outcomes. This experience influenced her dedication to improving birth outcomes for Black families and communities of color.
Welch has held leadership roles in city, state, and national health organizations. She served as interim executive director of Birthing Project USA, deputy director of public health for the City of Detroit, and contributed to the development of Michigan's first comprehensive LGBTQ health center. Welch's tenure at the Detroit Health Department, from Healthy Start project coordinator to deputy director, provided her with a systems-level perspective on structural barriers in maternal and child health. Her work emphasizes the influence of policy, funding, and infrastructure on family health outcomes.
Welch is co-founder of Birth Detroit, Detroit's first freestanding community birth center, and Birth Center Equity, an organization supporting the growth and sustainability of birth centers led by Black and Indigenous people and people of color nationwide. Birth Center Equity operates as a values-based network, demonstrating the effectiveness of funding community-led maternal health solutions through a national strategy. Welch also initiated National Birth Center Week and the collective impact initiative Beloved Birth 50 by 50. Her advocacy is informed by evidence that midwifery care improves birth outcomes, including lower cesarean rates, fewer preterm births, higher breastfeeding rates, and more respectful care, while highlighting the need for increased resources for midwives and birth centers in Black communities.
Welch has taught at the university level for more than 15 years, contributing to the development of Wayne State University's Bachelor of Science in Public Health program and creating courses on health equity for undergraduate and graduate public health students, medical students, and residents. She has also lectured in the Women's and Gender Studies Department at the University of Michigan, developing practicum courses on women's leadership, nonprofit management, community engagement, and feminist practice. Welch is an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow and has served as a keynote speaker at the National Association of Birth Centers annual meeting plenary session. She is recognized for her expertise in maternal health, birth justice, and health equity, combining public health scholarship with community organizing in her work.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Leseliey Welch for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Leseliey Welch, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Leseliey Welch or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Leseliey Welch
Speaking fees for Leseliey Welch, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Leseliey Welch are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Leseliey Welch, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Leseliey Welch speak about?
Leseliey Welch is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Black Heritage, DEI, Entrepreneurship, Family & Parenting, Health & Wellness, Healthcare, Public Health, Social Entrepreneurship, Women's Health -
Where does Leseliey Welch travel from?
Leseliey Welch generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Leseliey Welch is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Leseliey Welch for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Leseliey Welch generally travels from Detroit, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Valerie Montgomery Rice, Dr. Leana Wen, Jean Accius, Anuli Njoku and Dr. Rachel Hardeman. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Leseliey Welch for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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