Introducing Morea Mendoza, PBC's new Director

Dear PBC friends and family,

I first encountered Pacific Birth Collective in 2020 after the events of the year inspired a very serious soul searching and new creative energy. At the time, I was a single woman with no children, and was talking story with a dear pregnant friend about her most recent home birth and the birth that she was currently anticipating. She casually mentioned how she found her midwife on the PBC directory, and I didn’t think of it again until I became pregnant for the first time in early 2022 and found my midwife on that same directory.

These foundational moments were the catalysts of my support of this incredible organization. Through the years I have watched in awe of these ladies rising to the occasion and becoming a pillar in our local community. From establishing the physical space in Haiku, responding to the ever-changing needs of the Maui community in the aftermath of the 2023 fires, and actively participating in advocacy efforts for ‘ohana issues, I am so wholeheartedly proud of this organization and all that they have accomplished.

I'll admit it: I’m obsessed with birth. I can’t pinpoint exactly when this happened but at least 50% of my time spent on social media is watching birth content. When I became pregnant with my daughter, I had already considered many of the specifics of my pregnancy and birth plan, with all of the evidenced-based, physiological-birth data to back. I knew I wanted a home birth and the PBC directory was how I began the search for my midwife, and how I would eventually become connected with Ki‘i Kaho‘ohanohano, my pale keiki of choice.

After getting to know me and my ‘ohana, Ki‘i referred me to PBC’s Community Birth Project, connecting me yet again to another of this organization’s amazing offerings. Because of the Community Birth Project, I was able to receive prenatal and postpartum care from my doula, Makalani Franco-Francis. As a first time mother who ended up with a Cesarean instead of the home birth that I had worked so hard for, this team of practitioners held me through some of the most challenging and most beautiful moments of this chapter, if not the entirety, of my life.

So this is where I land, right in the midst of everything that has blossomed after years of big dreams and hard work at the hands, minds, and hearts of many brilliant women. I bring an eclectic career that has allowed me to think outside the box and learn from some of Maui’s distinguished industry and community leaders. I am honored to have the PBC team’s trust as we look toward the future and integrate our recent growth. And to our many supporters, volunteers and donors: Mahalo nui for allowing us to do this essential work. I’m so glad that you see the same potential in PBC that I do.

With gratitude,

Morea Mendoza