Excel by Eight was named a 2025 Champion for Children by the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families for our work to improve maternal health care.
Our policy team accepted this recognition at the Children’s Policy Summit in Little Rock on July 10, alongside fellow honorees in the maternal health category:
- Doula Alliance of Arkansas
- Ujima Maternity Network
- Sen. Jamie Scott
- Rep. Ashley Hudson
Excel by Eight, the Doula Alliance of Arkansas, and Ujima Maternity Network were recognized for our shared dedication to improving outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women in Arkansas and for successfully advocating for the passage of Act 965 to create a state doula certification.
Every other year, following the regular session of the Arkansas General Assembly, the Arkansas Kids Count Coalition presents the Champion for Children Awards to highlight the power of advocacy; celebrate the great work of organizations, individuals, and legislators; and inspire future action across its network. This year’s awards recognized advocates from across the state working on issues ranging from child welfare to health care.
We are proud to stand alongside these partners whose collective advocacy is creating better outcomes for children across Arkansas.
Pictured, from left: Jamie Ward (Curricula Concepts, Excel by Eight); Angela Duran (Excel by Eight); Nicolle Fletcher (Ujima Maternity Network, Doula Alliance of Arkansas); Anna Strong (Arkansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Excel by Eight); Lori Ross (Doula Alliance of Arkansas); and Liyah Wasson (Doula Alliance of Arkansas).
