Maternal Smoking Cessation
SOL - Maternal Smoking
Maternal Smoking Cessation Initiative
Breathe for Two: Supporting Black Moms & Babies is the official name of The SOL Project’s Maternal Smoking Cessation Initiative, a two-year (2025–2027) partnership with UC Davis, funded by the Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP).
This community-driven initiative focuses on supporting Black pregnant and postpartum moms in Sacramento County who want to quit smoking or reduce exposure to tobacco and cannabis smoke. Through culturally responsive conversations, education, and community engagement, the project centers the lived experiences of Black families. Read the full press release.
We are currently recruiting pregnant and postpartum moms, along with providers—including doulas, midwives, physicians, coaches, and maternal health professionals—to participate in focus groups. Participant insights will help shape practical, technology-based tools to strengthen smoke-free support.
All focus group participants will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card.
Together, we’re helping Black moms and babies breathe easier and thrive.
Meet our members of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for the Maternal Smoking Cessation Initiative.
Charmaine Adams
Alline (Charmaine) Adams is a dedicated community leader and retired California State professional with 32 years of service in contracts, program review, and compliance. She holds degrees in Liberal Arts, Social Science, and Sociology (CSUS), and is a Certified Birth Doula and CITI Researcher. With over three decades in faith-based youth ministry, she is committed to helping young people realize their purpose. Alline actively serves with National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Natomas Black Parents United, and CSUS Alumni.
Y’Lonn Burris
Y’Lonn Burris serves as Project Coordinator for the African American Statewide Coordinating Center, bringing expertise in project management, communications, public policy, and capacity building. Passionate about cultural competence and health equity, she contributes to the Tobacco Education Materials Advisory Team and TFC Media Subcommittee. A strong advocate for Alzheimer’s prevention and care in Black communities, Y’Lonn is a Southern California native with a Communications degree from Cal State Fullerton, now residing in the East Bay.
Dr. Brittany Chambers Butcher
Dr. Brittany Chambers Butcher is a community health scientist dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health equity among Black, Indigenous, and Other People Of Color’s (BIPOC). She merges critical and public health theories to partner with BIPOC women and birthing people and organizations to better understand, operationalize and dismantle racism.
Tanesa Calhoun
Tanesa Calhoun is a dedicated mom of three who works in special education and has a passion for home décor, interior styling, and creating beautiful spaces for everyday living and special moments. She loves spending time with family and friends, being active in her community, and serving as a lead facilitator in a girls’ leadership group for Black and Brown girls. Tanesa also supports Girls Leadership, (an organization that equips schools and youth-serving organizations) with the resources and training to create environments where girls can confidently use their voices and are inspired to lead. With a background in education and a love for making meaningful connections, Tanesa combines her expertise, creativity, and dedication to foster growth and leadership in every community she touches.
Kairis Chiaji
Kairis Joy Chiaji is a Sacramento-based doula, educator, and solo-preneur dedicated to reducing infant and maternal mortality in the African American community. Through her business, Braids, Bits & Babies, she mentors culturally competent birth workers and provides birth support and advocacy for families. A birth coach since 1999, she formerly trained doulas nationally for Birthing Project USA and now leads the Children of the Sun Doula Project. Kairis also serves on the Sacramento Black Chamber Foundation Board and is an ordained Elder at Living Grace Fellowship.
Aron King, MSN, RN
Aron King, MSN, RN, is a registered nurse, healthcare leader, and PhD student at UC Davis specializing in community-based mental health interventions for Black men. As Assistant Manager at UC Davis Health and Historian of the Capitol City Black Nurses Association, he advances health equity through leadership and innovation. Nationally recognized for initiatives like Cut to the Chase and Barbershop Health Talks, Aron champions workforce diversity and dismantling systemic barriers in healthcare.
Dr. Kimberly Mclaughlin
Dr. Kimberly Mclaughlin is an obstetrician gynecologist in Sacramento, CA and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. McLaughlin has extensive experience in Obstetric Care. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2004.
Dr. J. Bianca Roberts
Dr. J. Bianca Roberts is a Family Physician and President of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS), where she also chairs the Health Equity Committee. A graduate of UCSF School of Medicine’s PRIME-US program, she completed her residency at Sutter Family Medicine, serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Roberts is deeply committed to advancing health equity, community education, and improving care for underserved and marginalized populations across California.
Shirley Shelton
Shirley Shelton, a public servant who dedicated 40 years of distinguished service to the government of California. Her most impactful contributions were made at the California Department of Public Health, where she held key leadership roles in the Tobacco Control Branch, the Chronic Disease Control Branch, and the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Division. Throughout her career, Shirley approached public service as a personal ministry, driven by a deep commitment to uplift and improve the lives of California’s most disenfranchised communities.
Leona Spivey
Leona Spivey, affectionately known as Ms. Leona, brings over 20 years of experience supporting women through pregnancy. As Program Manager with Black Mothers United, she leads with compassion, wisdom, and lived experience—guiding women and families toward healthy, empowered journeys. A proud mother, grandmother, and Sacramento native, Leona finds joy in cooking, family gatherings, and sharing her story to inspire others. Her heart for service continues to uplift the community she loves.
Yolanda Stevenson
Yolanda Stevenson serves as Director of Social Services with the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center and the Meadowview Black Child Legacy Campaign. Since 2017, she has led multiple community programs, bringing expertise in business management, conflict resolution, workforce development, and case management. A dedicated first responder and advocate, Yolanda connects families to vital support services and resources, ensuring their immediate and long-term needs are met with care and compassion.
Meet our members of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) for the Maternal Smoking Cessation Initiative.
Y’Lonn Burris
Y’Lonn Burris serves as Project Coordinator for the African American Statewide Coordinating Center, bringing expertise in project management, communications, public policy, and capacity building. Passionate about cultural competence and health equity, she contributes to the Tobacco Education Materials Advisory Team and TFC Media Subcommittee. A strong advocate for Alzheimer’s prevention and care in Black communities, Y’Lonn is a Southern California native with a Communications degree from Cal State Fullerton, now residing in the East Bay.
Dr. Brittany Chambers Butcher
Dr. Brittany Chambers Butcher is a community health scientist dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health equity among Black, Indigenous, and Other People Of Color’s (BIPOC). She merges critical and public health theories to partner with BIPOC women and birthing people and organizations to better understand, operationalize and dismantle racism.
Aron King, MSN, RN
Aron King, MSN, RN, is a registered nurse, healthcare leader, and PhD student at UC Davis specializing in community-based mental health interventions for Black men. As Assistant Manager at UC Davis Health and Historian of the Capitol City Black Nurses Association, he advances health equity through leadership and innovation. Nationally recognized for initiatives like Cut to the Chase and Barbershop Health Talks, Aron champions workforce diversity and dismantling systemic barriers in healthcare.
Dr. Kimberly Mclaughlin
Dr. Kimberly Mclaughlin is an obstetrician gynecologist in Sacramento, CA and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. McLaughlin has extensive experience in Obstetric Care. She graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2004.
Dr. J. Bianca Roberts
Dr. J. Bianca Roberts is a Family Physician and President of the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS), where she also chairs the Health Equity Committee. A graduate of UCSF School of Medicine’s PRIME-US program, she completed her residency at Sutter Family Medicine, serving as Chief Resident. Dr. Roberts is deeply committed to advancing health equity, community education, and improving care for underserved and marginalized populations across California.
Shirley Shelton
Shirley Shelton, a public servant who dedicated 40 years of distinguished service to the government of California. Her most impactful contributions were made at the California Department of Public Health, where she held key leadership roles in the Tobacco Control Branch, the Chronic Disease Control Branch, and the Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Division. Throughout her career, Shirley approached public service as a personal ministry, driven by a deep commitment to uplift and improve the lives of California’s most disenfranchised communities.
Leona Spivey
Leona Spivey, affectionately known as Ms. Leona, brings over 20 years of experience supporting women through pregnancy. As Program Manager with Black Mothers United, she leads with compassion, wisdom, and lived experience—guiding women and families toward healthy, empowered journeys. A proud mother, grandmother, and Sacramento native, Leona finds joy in cooking, family gatherings, and sharing her story to inspire others. Her heart for service continues to uplift the community she loves.
Yolanda Stevenson
Yolanda Stevenson serves as Director of Social Services with the Rose Family Creative Empowerment Center and the Meadowview Black Child Legacy Campaign. Since 2017, she has led multiple community programs, bringing expertise in business management, conflict resolution, workforce development, and case management. A dedicated first responder and advocate, Yolanda connects families to vital support services and resources, ensuring their immediate and long-term needs are met with care and compassion.
Charmaine Adams
Alline (Charmaine) Adams is a dedicated community leader and retired California State professional with 32 years of service in contracts, program review, and compliance. She holds degrees in Liberal Arts, Social Science, and Sociology (CSUS), and is a Certified Birth Doula and CITI Researcher. With over three decades in faith-based youth ministry, she is committed to helping young people realize their purpose. Alline actively serves with National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Natomas Black Parents United, and CSUS Alumni.
Kairis Chiaji
Kairis Joy Chiaji is a Sacramento-based doula, educator, and solo-preneur dedicated to reducing infant and maternal mortality in the African American community. Through her business, Braids, Bits & Babies, she mentors culturally competent birth workers and provides birth support and advocacy for families. A birth coach since 1999, she formerly trained doulas nationally for Birthing Project USA and now leads the Children of the Sun Doula Project. Kairis also serves on the Sacramento Black Chamber Foundation Board and is an ordained Elder at Living Grace Fellowship.
