Board Director

Updated May 2026

Ancestral Hands Midwives (AHM) is seeking transformative leaders to join our Board of Directors. This is an invitation to participate in the movement for improvements in Black maternal health and reproductive justice. We are calling in a cohort of stewards, strategists, practitioners, and advocates who will utilize their power to dismantle systemic anti-Black barriers and build a future where all Black birthing people can thrive.

About Ancestral Hands Midwives

AHM is a Black-led organization dedicated to providing culturally grounded and trauma-informed midwifery care. We are founded on the principle that birthing with dignity is a human right and that reclaiming ancestral birthing traditions is an act of liberation. Our work is explicitly Afrocentric, pro-Black, queer, and trans-affirming and rooted in a reproductive justice framework.

Although midwifery services are funded by the Ministry of Health, AHM is advancing a broader vision: the development of a Black health hub that addresses both clinical care and the social determinants of health, including housing and community supports. To realize this vision, AHM has established an Afrocentric governance model and is seeking board leadership to help bring this initiative to life. Over the past year, we have further defined our direction through a comprehensive strategic plan (view here).

The Director’s Role: A Commitment to Community Stewardship

As a member of the AHM Board, you are a trustee of the community’s vision for a more just and equitable maternal and reproductive health care. Your role is to ensure the organization has the strategy, resources, and accountability structures to fulfill its mission. This involves a dynamic interplay of oversight, strategic thinking, and community accountability to support the Executive Director. You will be expected to:

• Uphold fiduciary and ethical duties by ensuring the long-term financial health and legal integrity of the organization, always with an eye toward equity and justice in resource allocation.
• Champion the mission by supporting the organization’s strategic direction, sustainability, and resource development through governance leadership and relationship-building.
• Engage in generative governance by looking beyond the immediate operational issues to explore the larger strategic questions and opportunities facing the organization.
• Uphold and practice AHM’s Afrocentric governance and leadership values, grounded in the principles of Nguzo Saba, as they apply to board decision-making, accountability, and stewardship.

Qualifications and Competencies for Immediate Recruitment

Accounting & Finance

You have expertise in Accounting and or Finance and are committed to ethical, non-extractive investment, fundraising and philanthropic models.

Governance and Ethical/Legal Stewardship

You have governance and/or legal expertise, and understand how to provide strategic direction and fiduciary oversight through an anti-oppressive lens, prioritizing community accountability in all you do.

Health Equity / Midwifery & Reproductive Justice

You have a deep understanding of the social determinants of health as they apply to Black communities and are committed to applying a reproductive justice framework to governance.

Legislative Knowledge / Government Relations

You have experience advocating for policy and systems change at the Municipal, Provincial, or Federal levels and can advise on how to leverage funding from these sources.

Philanthropy or Fundraising

You are prepared to support the organization’s fundraising efforts through personal contribution, relationship-building, advocacy, or other appropriate means. All board members are expected to donate (at their capacity) to the organization.

Banking, Entrepreneurship and/or Financial Markets

You are knowledgeable about business and finance and able to guide AHM to consider alternative forms of earned revenue.

History of Collaborative Impact in Black Communities

You believe that the board is accountable to the community it serves and have experience building authentic relationships and impactful programs with Black community members.

Information Technology

You are familiar with IT systems and can advise the organization on how to optimize its technological systems and processes.

Marketing, Communications, & Public Relations

You are a skilled communicator who can help shape the public narrative and utilize various digital media platforms to promote Black maternal health and reproductive justice.

Board Cadence & Governance Cycle

The following activities typically form part of the Board’s governance cycle within each fiscal year.

• 4-6 bi-monthly board meetings (excluding Committee meetings)
• Annual budget approval
• Annual audit approval
• Annual Executive Director evaluation
• Annual Officer review

Time Commitment

This is a volunteer position requiring approximately six meetings per year, with an estimated time commitment of 10-20 hours annually for board meetings, preparation, and required governance activities. Additional time may be required for committee participation or special initiatives.

How to Apply

Board service at AHM is rooted in collective leadership, accountability, and care. Directors are expected to engage thoughtfully, bring their full experience to the governance table, and grow alongside the organization as it advances reproductive justice and Black maternal health.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a resume to View email address on ca.talent.com. In your letter, please describe your experience and which preferred competencies you would bring to the board.