A child’s path in life begins before they are born, yet many women living in poverty lack the resources to give their baby a healthy start. For more than two decades, Marixsa Sanchez-Feliciano has been a passionate advocate to ensure women have access to supports and have their basic needs met before, during and after pregnancy. As Program Manager for Buffalo Prenatal and Perinatal Network, it is estimated that more than 10,000 children and 5,000 women have benefitted from her efforts.

Marixsa works on the implementation of programs and services that have a positive impact on the community, such as early screening for lead poisoning, attendance at prenatal and healthy baby visits, obtaining regular immunizations and breastfeeding education. She performs outreach by going door-to-door and collaborates with other organizations to create support groups. Her efforts to help women does not stop there. She has been known to do everything from assisting them with the college application process to providing them with household basics like beds and cribs so no woman or child has to sleep on the floor.

Not only does Marixsa advocate for her clients, but she uses the same passion to promote training, job advancement and further education for her staff, who are members of the community in which they serve.

Always providing a welcoming environment to her clients and staff, Marixsa has been able to create transformative change in the community by improving access to support and services ensuring a healthier start to thousands of women and children.