Asiyah D. Franklin, Ph.D. is a public health scholar and maternal health practitioner specializing in maternal health equity, reproductive justice, and community-based perinatal care. She holds a PhD in Public Health – Community Health, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, and a Diploma in Nursing. Additionally, she served in the United States Air Force as a Healthcare Administrator, organizing complex medical care for active-duty military members and their families.

Dr. Franklin’s work spans nearly three decades in community-based maternal and reproductive health, including clinical nursing roles in obstetrics and gynecology, and women’s health, community birth work, and the development of maternal health education programs. She founded and directed community initiatives focused on pregnancy, childbirth education, lactation support, and perinatal mental health for historically underserved populations.

Her research examines the effects of structural racism and systemic inequities on maternal and infant health outcomes, the role of culturally responsive care models in clinical and community settings, and the integration of advocacy and technology in advancing maternal health equity. In addition to her academic work, Dr. Franklin has contributed to public health programming, leadership development, and national maternal health campaigns. She remains committed to amplifying marginalized voices and translating evidence-based research into actionable strategies for improving pregnancy and birth outcomes globally.