In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are emerging Hispanic leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Birth and death doula Jessica Paulino of Boston works with parents experiencing pregnancy and infant loss through The EMA Project. (Courtesy photo)
Jessica Paulino
Age: 43
Community: Boston
Her story: In March of 2020, Jessica Paulino went through a personal tragedy — the death of her infant son, Eddie Manuel Arnold. Her baby was born at 24 weeks of gestation and lived 22 days.
“His life and death have awakened a passion in me to support my community,” Paulino said.
Paulino founded The EMA Project — named using her son’s initials — to support maternal health with a focus on closing the higher mortality gap for birthing mothers of color.
She is a birth and death doula, helping families by nurturing them through each process and providing culturally competent peer support for families experiencing both pregnancy and infant loss.
“My heart’s work is being in community and of community to allow you to find the medicine that may help you grieve and process trauma,” she said.
In her words: “Find other humans who can hold you during this time. We need more culturally competent providers in this space.”
Each day, we will introduce more leaders, and we’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
