In Her Own Words: A Portrait of Our Newby Fellow
We asked our 2025 Newby Fellow, Amber Pendergraph, to share her truths, quirks, and reflections on her life and work. Modeled loosely after the famed Proust Questionnaire you may have seen in Vanity Fair, these questions gave us an unfiltered look into the life of the executive director of BirthMatters, a nonprofit organization providing community-based doula services to expecting families in Spartanburg. Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
What time do you wake up on a random Tuesday morning? 5:30
What is the best part about work for or leading an nonprofit? The opportunity to create meaningful impact within the community and to serve as a catalyst for maternal health improvements is truly inspiring. It offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment as your efforts contribute to enhancing lives for future generations.
Who is on your personal “board of directors”? My therapist and my sister. They both listen attentively and provide me with non-judgmental advice.
Do you prefer books or podcasts? Books because they help expand my vocabulary, and I can easily get lost in a story, often imagining myself as a character due to my very vivid imagination.
What is the most important piece of advice you’ve ever received? The most important piece of advice I’ve ever received was from my mother, who always told me to treat others the way I want to be treated. She also emphasized the importance of giving what you need—if you need love, then give love.
What is your guilty pleasure? Traveling and indulging in spontaneous adventures—whether it’s exploring a new city, trying unique local foods, or taking unplanned detours to discover hidden gems. I enjoy the thrill of discovering something unexpected and making memorable experiences along the way.
What is the toughest thing you’ve had to face so far? Losing my mother, especially while expecting my first child. That experience was incredibly challenging and emotional, and it deeply impacted me in many ways.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A nurse.
What is something people wouldn’t find on your resume? That I am certified in carpentry one and carpentry two.
What is your motto these days? Focus on controlling what I can and let go of the things I can’t.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what would it be? I would choose to be a waterfall—symbolizing energy, renewal, and the continuous flow of life, while also creating a sense of serenity and awe in those who behold it. Water heals me.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? To be more patient while driving.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Becoming a mother.
What song feels like the soundtrack of your life right now? One Love by Bob Marley.
What smell brings you back to your childhood? The smell of wood reminds me of summer days I spent with my grandfather.
When do you feel most like yourself? When I am with my children and at births.
What’s something you believed strongly five years ago that you no longer believe? Five years ago, failure wasn’t an option for me, but now I embrace failure as a part of growth. It motivates and encourages me, teaching valuable lessons along the way.
What is a small act of kindness someone once did for you that you never forgot? One of my colleagues honored me by gifting me a candle in memory of my deceased mother and that inspired me to make honoring her a daily practice in my life.
What is keeping you up at night? Work.
About the Newby Fellowship
The Newby Fellowship was established by the foundation to honor the legacy of Dr. George Newby, Jr., a tireless advocate for health equity. The fellowship recognizes leaders who are advancing community health through innovation, advocacy, and meaningful impact. Fellows receive funding and capacity-building support to further their mission and drive sustainable change.
