Rayna Reid Rayford is the reigning Mrs. Black United States 2026 and Founder and Executive Director of Pregnant and Black, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal healthcare experiences through personalized, non-medical advocacy.

Inspired by her own life-threatening pregnancy complication, Rayna is working to ensure pregnant and postpartum people are heard, believed, and supported. An attorney, former educator, and mother, she uses her national platform to champion maternal health, education, and community empowerment. She will tell us how and why she created Pregnant and Black and how this helps expectant and new mothers and how pregnant women can prepare for medical appointments, communicate their concerns, and advocate for themselves.

Rayna Reid Rayford

Members of the BIRTH Fair Leadership Team share what you can expect at the 22nd Annual BIRTH Fair.

Joining us on this week’s show:

Christine Diaz — Sponsor & Vendor Coordinator
Monisha Holley-Cherry — Community Outreach Coordinator
Natalie Guzman — Community & Spanish-Speaking Outreach Coordinator + Healing Arts Room Coordinator
Kiwasi Apeh — Volunteer Coordinator
Shay Wallace — Family Area Coordinator
JacQue Colson-Smith — Afua Hassan Midwifery Scholarship Raffle + Swag Bag Coordinator
Dr. Randy Holmes — Logistics Coordinator

We’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at what we’ve been working on and why we’re so excited to welcome the Houston community back to BIRTH Fair!

BIRTH Fair will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026

10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

United Way of Greater Houston
50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77007

BIRTH Fair Leadership Team

Join us as we welcome Samantha Elizabeth of Missing Pieces, a Houston-based organization dedicated to helping families who have experienced miscarriage. Find out more about their plans for October, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month.

Missing Pieces:
Need support after loss? Warm Line – 832-409-0002; Call or text — we’ll respond within 24
hours
General: 832-409-2389 | info@mpsgcares.org
Website: https://missingpiecessupportgroup.org

Samantha Elizabeth of Missing Pieces