2025 Alumni Fellow: Robin Weiss, PhD

Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH, MSHPE, AdvCD(DONA) is a public health professional, educator, U.S. Army veteran, and internationally recognized leader in perinatal care. A proud graduate and adjunct faculty member at the University of Louisville’s School of Public Health and Information Sciences, she holds a PhD in Health Management and Systems Sciences, a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Health Professions Education, and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Robin blends academic insight with decades of hands-on experience improving the systems that shape birth and parenting.

With over 30 years in the field, Robin has trained more than 10,000 doulas worldwide, focusing especially on areas with the highest maternal mortality rates. Her work centers around equity and access, helping communities build strong, sustainable birth support systems from within.

Robin has held international leadership roles, including serving as President of both Lamaze International and DONA International. She’s collaborated with organizations like the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the March of Dimes, and currently chairs Kentucky’s Certified Professional Midwifery Committee under the Board of Nursing, helping implement licensure and policy that reflects the realities of families and providers.

An early innovator in online health education, Robin launched one of the first pregnancy websites, bringing accurate, accessible information to millions. She’s also the author of over a dozen books, known for making complex topics feel approachable and actionable. “From doulas to data, I bridge the gap between the personal and the policy,” she says, a value that carries through her teaching, public speaking, and policy work. Robin’s career bridges public health and lived experience, shaping a future where birthing people’s rights and real-world support go hand in hand.