Who We Are
The Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition (ABC) was formed in 1993 when a group of lactation advocates felt there was a need to provide educational offerings to local professionals. ABC held their first meeting in March at the Dimond Mall Library. The board of director members came from a variety of fields in order to give the coalition the widest possible experience base. In March 1994, ABC had a completed set of bylaws written and approved which led to achieving our non-profit 501(c)3 status.
Our first conference was held in 1993. ABC is proud to acknowledge that we have been able to sponsor an annual conference every year since. The conferences have been attended by a wide variety of disciplines. Many national and internationally known guest speakers have been able to share their expertise. In addition to the annual breastfeeding conferences, ABC has sponsored a variety of educational opportunities focusing on breastfeeding.
Currently ABC has an active board of directors with members throughout the state. We meet monthly throughout the year. The meetings last from 6:30 – 9 PM. See the events page for meeting locations. Our accomplishments for the past year have been establishing a website and reviewing our strategic plan. Our goal is to continue to promote breastfeeding, provide access to education, and to be an advocate for all breastfeeding families.
The Mother of Invention by Sharon Paulson, from the 2019 Annual Breastfeeding Art Show
a statement from the Abc board
The Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition Board believes that Black and Indigenous lives, families and communities matter and acknowledge that our country’s legacy is a history of racism and ongoing systemic inequities. Only targeted actions can begin to heal pain and advance health equity. We have been working hard to expand our collaboration with other Alaskan organizations which support breastfeeding and maternal/child health.
We the Board, and members of the Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition, welcome all voices and perspectives in our mission to empower families in their breastfeeding goals. Our vision is a Healthy Alaska Through Breastfeeding. That vision is only possible with the commitment to strive toward equity for all lives of Black, Indigenous, or otherwise marginalized communities through our mission to support education, advocacy, and fostering systems change.
The ABC and the individuals who lead it will stumble, take missteps and fall in our work. From our hearts we strive to be supportive by listening to the guiding voices of those around us through the current and ongoing thoughtful, sometimes painful, and respectful discussions, and continued education on the issues involved.
Haida Mama by Kimberlee Wear,
from the 2019 Breastfeeding Art Show
Diversity & Inclusion
The Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition values inclusion, diversity, and equity as core values, embracing meaningful participation by diverse stakeholders, and seeks varied viewpoints. All people who desire to work to promote our mission and vision are welcome as members of the Alaska Breastfeeding Coalition. We do not discriminate by position, gender, race, national origin, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, family status, formal education, life experience, religion, communication styles, geographic location, work-related skill sets and experience.
For additional support, check out these resources: https://www.rootmama.co/blog/top-black-breastfeeding-orgs
https://www.faceresources.org/indigenous-breastfeeding/
Board of Directors 2020-2021
President
Heidi Koslo
DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, IBCLC
Treasurer
Ada Scott
Secretary
Lisa Cruz
Membership Chair
Emily Ingram
CLC, Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
Current ABC Board Members
Taryn Bliss
RD, LD, IBCLC
