March 2015 Volunteer of the Month
The International Cesarean Awareness Network is powered by the selfless efforts of our numerous volunteers. We cannot thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their cooperation and service in assisting ICAN with accomplishing its mission.
In an effort to acknowledge some of our amazing volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to offer support, education, and advocacy for the mothers in their area, the International Cesarean Awareness Network is pleased to announce Elizabeth Aldea as the March 2015 Volunteer of the Month.
Elizabeth Aldea, this month’s honoree, is a chapter leader with ICAN of Kissimmee. ICAN of Kissimmee is our first chapter to focus solely on outreach to Spanish-speaking populations in the U.S. In addition to volunteering as a chapter leader, Elizabeth also serves as an admin for ICAN en Espanol, a group whose purpose is to reach Spanish-speaking communities throughout the United States and abroad.
Get to know our March 2015 Volunteer of the Month:
How long have you been an ICAN member?
I became an official member and volunteer for ICAN in 2014.
How did you first find ICAN?
A friend of mine introduced me to ICAN. She shared with me that I was already fulfilling much of ICAN’s mission through the birth advocacy that I was doing on my own, and that I should learn more about the organization and consider joining. Once I checked it out for myself, I agreed with her and decided to volunteer to help them with their mission. I thought, “If I can do it on my own, why not to do it inside ICAN?”
What motivates you as a volunteer?
I know this is a mission that I cannot do alone. Team work allows me to achieve more! When I realized that my goals matched with ICAN’s, everything clicked for me. Here are some of the factors that influenced me:
1. The state of Florida has the 4th highest cesarean rate in the U.S. based on the 2013 CDC report.
2. I am aware of people of Hispanic descent who do not speak English and are intimidated by the health system.
3. I can relate as a Hispanic woman.
So, I thought that having a Spanish-speaking chapter was a necessity.
Do you have a profession or any other passions outside of ICAN?
I have a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and I’m also a writer. In addition, I have my own company (NACER, LLC) that offers doula and childbirth services. I am a VBAC mother and wife.
What was your proudest moment as an ICAN volunteer? What about your hardest?
Wow! I think I’ve had more than one proud moment in ICAN. But definitely, having the community response at each meeting is amazing. Since we started on September 2014 (we are new), we have not had an empty meeting. Also, we had one mom who VBACed last January and she told us it was because of our support and education. Another moment I am proud of is when we received an emotionally traumatized mommy and she began to heal after each meeting.
I think the hardest thing has been trying to be creative with limited resources within our new chapter.
Thank you Elizabeth for all that you do to support birthing women!
