Empathy Begins With Understanding

Bringing Light To The Realities Of Loss

Perinatal, neonatal, and infant loss are more common than many realize—and they can touch any family, regardless of background. These types of loss affect people across all races, ages, and income levels, often without warning. While the causes may vary, the impact is universally devastating. There is an urgent need for compassionate care, equitable access to support and greater awareness of the families who are silently grieving. At Aaliyah in Action, we work to ensure no one has to navigate that grief alone.

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Self-Care Is A
Form Of Survival 

Self-Care Is A
Form Of Survival

Liz's Personal Experience

Liz's Personal Experience

Rather than create a traditional support group — a space already held beautifully by many organizations — Liz chose a different path. After her own experience, she realized that what she needed most in those early days of grief wasn’t conversation, but care. Self-care became her quiet lifeline, a way to survive the unthinkable one small act at a time. That insight sparked the idea for Aaliyah in Action’s self-care packages: tangible, gentle offerings for families still in the hospital after loss. Each package is thoughtfully curated with items from small, local, women-owned and Black-owned businesses. For Liz, this work is purposeful—a way to carry her daughter’s legacy forward with impact and intention.

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Jade Hillery

Jade F. Hillery is a dedicated leader in sexual & reproductive health, blending over a decade of experience in community health, education, and nonprofit advocacy across local, national & global platforms. A former Peace Corps Volunteer, she now channels her expertise into roles with Planned Parenthood Federation of America and her own practice, “Jade, the Doula!” LLC—offering full-spectrum doula care, placenta services, education, & body-based healing. Grounded in trauma-informed practices & equity-centered learning, Jade also speaks, facilitates, and collaborates widely to elevate how care is delivered to Black & brown communities. She holds a BA in International Affairs from James Madison University and an MPH in Health Promotion & Education from USC.

Lauryn Ricketts

Lauryn Ricketts is a broadcast meteorologist with NBC Washington’s StormTeam4 and a regular contributor to WTOP 103.5FM. A board member of Aaliyah in Action, Lauryn brings deep personal connection to the organization’s mission after experiencing pregnancy loss and navigating the grief of stillbirth and miscarriage. Her journey through infertility, loss, and healing—while in the public eye—drives her commitment to supporting other families through similar heartbreak. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, a Lt. Col. in the USMC, and their two cats, Puffy and Predator.

Nicolo De Bari is a seasoned executive financial professional with global experience at major financial institutions. A CPA and graduate of NYU’s Stern School of Business, Nick also dedicates his time to youth development as a high school and youth soccer referee and board member of the Mid New Jersey Youth Soccer Association. He further serves his community as a Board Member for the St. Augustine of Canterbury School Advisory Council in Kendall Park, NJ.

Nicolo De Bari

Hadassah Burt-Miller

Hadassah Bellot (she/they) is a Certified Professional Midwife devoted to guiding families through life’s most transformative moments. With years of experience as a Full Spectrum Doula and Childbirth Educator, Hadassah brings compassionate, empowering care to every pregnancy journey. Originally from the Bronx and now based in Upper Marlboro with her husband and daughter, she’s known for creating safe, supportive spaces for healing and connection. Outside of her practice, Hadassah enjoys karaoke, volunteering, and quality time with family.

Sanaz Eftekhari

Sanaz Eftekhari is the Chief of Business Development & Vice President of Research at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), where she leads strategic partnerships across industries to advance patient advocacy and research. Over her tenure, she has held multiple roles in development and corporate affairs, overseeing fundraising, nonprofit strategy, and communications—ultimately driving 75% of AAFA’s annual revenue. A graduate of George Washington University with a B.A. in Political Science, Sanaz is also a passionate traveler who has explored over 50 countries.

Margie Wentzel

Margie Wentzel is a retired Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner & Nurse-Midwife with decades of experience supporting women through every stage of pregnancy, including high-risk births and pregnancy loss. A Northern Virginia native, she co-founded a perinatal bereavement program and has served as an educator, advocate, and caregiver across hospital, birth center, military, and private practice settings. Now living in Winchester, VA, Margie continues to give back through hospital volunteer work, crocheting baby gifts, and proudly being a “Certified Aunt” to her nieces and nephews.

Sarah W. Bland

Sarah brings nearly two decades of fashion industry experience and a lifelong passion for styling looks that spark confidence. A graduate of Pratt Institute with a degree in fashion design, she spent over 10 years designing in NYC before transitioning to retail merchandising and management at Bloomingdale’s and Intermix in the D.C. area. Now the founder of SWB Style, Sarah helps clients align their personal style with how they feel inside—empowering them to show up with authenticity and ease.

Marjorie Vail

Marjorie is a passionate advocate, licensed esthetician, and trauma therapist whose work is rooted in turning personal tragedy into purpose. After the stillbirth of her son Aleksei, she became a founding member and Director of Outreach for PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy, using her voice to fight for change and awareness. A former Mrs. New York titleholder and recognized as a “Woman of Excellence” by Eric Adams, Marjorie is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling at Pace University, with research focused on advocacy and stillbirth. She lives in Brooklyn with her adult son, Amaelian.

Lauren Newhouse

Lauren is a seasoned political affairs strategist with over 15 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, coalitions, and national associations on PAC management, advocacy, and executive engagement. She is the founder of Dogwood Public Affairs and has held key roles at BWX Technologies, the National Restaurant Association, and in the Christie Administration. Lauren’s work is grounded in data-driven strategy and results-oriented execution. She lives in Alexandria, VA with her husband and daughter, and carries the memory of her daughter Salene “Sally” Newhouse, who passed away in 2023, close to her heart.

Katie Minetti

Katie Minetti is a seasoned fundraiser with 15 years of experience, currently serving as a Senior Major Gifts Officer at Boston Children’s Hospital. Prior to this role, she supported philanthropic efforts at Perkins School for the Blind. Katie holds a B.A. in Sociology from the College of Wooster and an M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from Northeastern University, bringing a deep commitment to mission-driven work in the healthcare and education sectors.

Our Board Of Directors

Erica Bailey, Financials & Bookkeeping

At Bloom & Bee Bookkeeping, we are a women-led, family-owned accounting firm dedicated to empowering business and nonprofit owners and supporting maternal health and stillbirth prevention initiatives. With a passion for providing personalized financial services, we help others navigate the complexities of business while giving back to causes that matter. Let us handle the numbers so you can focus on what truly matters—growing your business and making a positive impact.

Lindsey Parry Carzo, Impact Consultant

A Luminary of Impact and the founder of Philanthropic Matchmaker®. As an activator and connector, Lindsey guides individuals and brands to align their values with meaningful giving—infusing life and business with purpose, passion, and impact. From running a nonprofit in Panama to launching a sustainable fair-trade clothing line, to serving as a Chief Marketing Officer, Lindsey’s career has always centered around one theme: soulful impact. Now, through energy alignment work, brand strategy, and philanthropic matchmaking, she helps others build legacies that extend far beyond their business or brand. She believes we are each here to pollinate the world in our own unique ways! 


Aaliyah’s Grandma lovingly manages, packs, and ships every individual Aaliyah in Action care package that's requested. Her hands have prepared each package with care, compassion, and a grandmother’s love. Behind every package is her quiet dedication to making sure no grieving family feels forgotten. This work is her way of honoring Aaliyah and supporting families navigating unthinkable loss.

Kate O'Donnell, Aaliyah's Grandma

Meet Our Team

Inclusivity
In Everything

Our Commitment

Aaliyah in Action is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals that we serve, and that work with us in any capacity, are valued, respected, and empowered. We recognize that diversity includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, and geographic location and we are committed to identifying and addressing systemic barriers that may impede equitable outcomes for individuals within our organization and the broader community.

Volunteer With Us

Volunteers are the heart of our organization, and we’re grateful you’re considering lending your time and talents to support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

Apply Here