Who We Are

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Simbi Animashaun

Dr. Simbi Animashaun is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of the United By Loss Foundation (UBLF), which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity in Georgia. The establishment of UBLF was inspired by her lived experiences with recurrent miscarriages and a lack of advocacy, resources, and grief support. She is passionate about improving the maternal mental health of black mothers experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. She wants to ensure that no mother or birth giver ever feels alone during pregnancy and infant loss.

Listen to Dr. A's Interview

About Us

Read our mission, vision, and program initiatives.

Mission

Our mission at United By Loss Foundation is to provide grief support, access to educational resources and tools, and advocacy for mothers and birth givers who have experienced perinatal loss.

Vision

We strive to improve the maternal mental health of black mothers experiencing pregnancy and infant loss and bring comfort to those who are suffering in silence.

Program Initiatives

Distribute perinatal loss comfort boxes to local hospitals, OB/GYN offices, and directly to mothers and families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss.

Provide access to vital educational resources and tools, such as literature about grief, types of losses, coping skills, and more!

Host virtual monthly peer support groups and virtual cohorts (4 times a year).

Provide financial assistance to cover burial, funeral, or cremation expenses.

Provide bereavement doula services.

Host community events throughout the year that honors all babies gone too soon.

Meet the Board of Directors

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Board of Directors are a team of strongly committed individuals to improving the maternal mental health of black mothers experiencing pregnancy and infant loss in Georgia.

Pittsburgh, PA

Deborah Coppula

Debbie Coppula resides in Pittsburgh, PA, with her husband, two children, and two dogs. She is currently a professional development specialist at a children's museum and an instructional coach. Prior to that, she taught middle school for 10 years. She is passionate about education and making the world a better place for everyone -- starting with women and children.

Fairburn, GA

Brazil Jackson

Brazil Jackson is a respected speaker, coach, and business owner with extensive experience in social work, customer relations, business development, and mental health. As a practice administrator, she expertly manages private mental health practices and oversees intake coordination, ensuring a smooth and supportive therapy entry. Brazil also excels in coaching individuals and leaders, helping them achieve success and personal growth. Her blend of compassion and professionalism makes her a valuable addition to the United By Loss Foundation board.

Hampton, GA

Melody Evans

Melody Evans is a a military veteran with 11 years of service. She has a MBA in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. In addition to her education, Melody has several years of experience in Human Resources. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and devoted to serving her community. Finally, her goal as a board member is to make sure the mission of the organization is being accomplished and help reach those who are suffering from a loss of a child by providing them with the tools they need to be able to heal.

Conley, GA

Dr. Cherry Pride

Dr. Cherry Pride-Smith resides in Conley, GA, with her wonderful husband. She has three daughters and five grandchildren. She retired in May 2021 after teaching middle grades Social Studies for 28 1/2 years.

Volunteers

United By Loss Foundation is in need of compassionate individuals who share our aim to support bereaved mothers and birth givers as we develop and offer our services in local hospitals and OB/GYN offices in DeKalb County, GA. If you are interested in volunteering for United By Loss Foundation, please contact us. Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the development of our initiatives.

Every first Saturday of the month, we will host a Volunteer Day, Volunteers will come to our office in Lithonia, Georgia, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to help with different tasks. Typical tasks include organizing donations, printing and folding educational resources, making comfort boxes and miscarriage cards for OB/GYN offices, and preparing for special events.