Terri J. Vaughn and Evelyn Braxton Set to Receive Woman of Excellence Awards as First Ladies Health Initiative Spotlights Maternal Health

Two familiar faces in entertainment are being celebrated for more than their time in the spotlight. Three-time NAACP Image Award winner Terri J. Vaughn and Braxton Family Values matriarch Evelyn Braxton are among the women being recognized for their influence and contributions to the community.

The two television personalities will receive the Woman of Excellence Award during the First Ladies Health Initiative’s upcoming maternal health panel, “It Takes a Village: A Conversation for Today’s Parents and Tomorrow’s Families.” The recognition comes as the organization brings attention to an issue that continues to affect families nationwide: maternal health and the support women receive before, during, and after pregnancy.

For years, Vaughn and Braxton have connected with audiences in different ways. Vaughn, whose career includes memorable television roles and work behind the camera, has built a reputation as a multifaceted entertainer. From her NAACP Image Award-winning performances to her appearance as Miss Governor on Netflix, she continues to make her mark in the industry.

Braxton, meanwhile, became a household name through WE tv’s Braxton Family Values, where audiences were introduced to her outspoken personality, family values, and experiences navigating motherhood and relationships. As the mother of the famous Braxton sisters, she has remained a recognizable figure whose story resonates with viewers across generations.

Their upcoming honors are part of a larger conversation about women’s leadership, wellness, and the importance of community.

Why This Conversation Matters

The phrase “It Takes a Village” has long been associated with raising children, but the First Ladies Health Initiative is extending that message to the mothers and families who need support along the way.

Maternal health remains a critical concern in the United States, particularly for Black women, who experience disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related complications and deaths. While medical care plays an essential role, access to information, emotional support, and community resources can also influence the experiences of expectant and new mothers.

The initiative is bringing together experts from different fields to explore those challenges and discuss ways families and communities can become more involved in improving outcomes.

Marquise Alston-Allison, Co-Executive Director of the First Ladies Health Initiative, will moderate the discussion, which features Dr. Natalie D. Hernandez-Green of Morehouse School of Medicine’s Center for Maternal Health Equity, OB-GYN and Clue Chief Medical Officer Dr. Charis Chambers, and Dr. Sherika Newman, founder of Doctor in the Family.

Mental health therapist and life coach First Lady Robin May of Transforming Faith Church and Atlanta Board of Education member Tony Mitchell will also join the conversation, bringing perspectives that extend beyond traditional medical care.

“We know that maternal health is not just a medical issue—it’s a community issue, especially within the black community,” Alston-Allison shared. “This panel is designed to empower today’s parents with practical guidance from industry experts, while inspiring tomorrow’s families to build healthier systems of care.”

The discussion is expected to cover the maternal journey from pregnancy planning and prenatal care to postpartum recovery, while examining the barriers that can prevent women from receiving consistent support.

More Than a Moment of Recognition

While Vaughn and Braxton’s names bring star power to the occasion, the Woman of Excellence Awards reflect a broader effort to recognize women whose work and influence contribute to stronger communities.

Both women have spent years in the public eye, building careers and sharing stories that have connected with audiences. Their recognition places them alongside an initiative focused on ensuring women and families have the knowledge, resources, and support needed to thrive.

And perhaps that is the larger message behind this year’s gathering: the conversations surrounding women’s health should not end when an event concludes.

Creating healthier futures requires ongoing involvement from families, medical professionals, community organizations, and leaders willing to address the challenges women continue to face.

For those interested in joining the conversation, the First Ladies Health Initiative is offering free registration for the maternal health panel through www.firstladieshealth.com.

With Vaughn and Braxton being recognized and a lineup of experts prepared to tackle important maternal health issues, the gathering brings together celebration and conversation around a shared goal: making sure today’s parents and tomorrow’s families have a stronger village behind them.