Foundation Awards Fellowship to Local Nonprofit Leader
The Mary Black Foundation is proud to announce that Amber Pendergraph-Leak, executive director of BirthMatters, has been named the 2025 George Newby Community Health Fellow. Under Pendergraph-Leak’s leadership, BirthMatters is transforming maternal and infant health outcomes in Spartanburg County—making childbirth safer and healthier for young mothers and their babies through free, community-based doula support.
BirthMatters’ impact is clear: 85% of their clients initiate breastfeeding, surpassing the statewide average of 80.5%, and only 9% of their clients experience low birth weight, which is lower than the state average. These improved outcomes are directly linked to the organization’s doula model, which provides young mothers—particularly in underserved communities—with essential, continuous nonmedical support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
“It’s truly an honor to be named the 2025 Newby Fellow, especially knowing how deeply Dr. Newby’s work impacted our community,” Pendergraph-Leak said. “I’ve been fortunate to lead BirthMatters during a time of growth and change, and this fellowship will allow me to collaborate with other leaders to expand our vision and impact.”
A Journey of Transformative Leadership
Pendergraph-Leak’s path from doula to executive director reflects her deep dedication to community health. After training as a doula in 2010, she quickly rose through the ranks—from serving as an active doula to lead doula, and eventually to her current role. Under her leadership, BirthMatters has expanded its services into two counties and trained doulas across South Carolina, increasing access to life-changing support for more families.
“Being named a Newby Fellow feels like a moment of deep connection to Dr. Newby’s legacy,” Pendergraph-Leak reflected. “His work showed me that change starts with community care, and I’m excited to continue that work in a way that brings hope and support to so many more families.”
Honoring Dr. Newby’s Legacy with Impactful Leadership
The George Newby Community Health Fellowship, established by the Mary Black Foundation, honors the legacy of the late Dr. George Paul Archie Newby, Jr., a champion for health equity and former CEO of Regenesis Health Care. The fellowship recognizes individuals whose leadership is creating meaningful, systemic change in community health.
Mary Black Foundation President and CEO Molly Talbot-Metz expressed the Foundation’s excitement in honoring Pendergraph-Leak. “Her unwavering commitment to improving maternal and infant health in Spartanburg and beyond is truly inspiring, Talbot-Metz said. “Her leadership at BirthMatters has not only transformed individual lives but is creating lasting change in our community. This fellowship is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication, and we are excited to support her.”
Fellowship Includes Funding and Capacity-Building Support
As the 2025 Newby Fellow, Pendergraph-Leak will receive a $25,000 unrestricted grant to support BirthMatters’ mission, along with opportunities for capacity building and collaboration with other health and community leaders.
About BirthMatters
BirthMatters is a nonprofit organization based in Spartanburg, SC, dedicated to improving maternal and infant health through reproductive health education, doula support, and community-based services. The organization’s mission is to promote generational wellness by training and empowering doulas and ensuring that all parents—especially in underserved communities—have the resources and support they need for healthy pregnancies and births.
About the Newby Fellowship
The Newby Fellowship was established by the Mary Black Foundation, an independent grantmaking organization in Spartanburg, 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.
Learn more about our 15+ year partnership with BirthMatters
