Lamaze International recently named Silvia (Sil) Quevedo, M.S., CCC-SLP, CAE to the position of Executive Director.  Last month, Sil assumed this leadership position with the 62 year old organization, and I was so delighted that she made herself available to answer some questions and share a bit about herself and her vision and thoughts as she becomes familiar with Lamaze and begins to work to further the goals of our organization.

Sharon Muza: Before joining the Lamaze organization, were you aware of Lamaze International or even the term “Lamaze?”  What did Lamaze mean to you if anything?

Sil Quevedo: I confess I had heard of “Lamaze” in the context of childbirth but was not familiar with Lamaze International’s 60 plus year history of research and experience in supporting healthy pregnancy and birth. Needless to say, I quickly started researching and was pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the organization, its origins and dedicated members.

SM: What do you believe are some challenges facing our organization right now, and what is your vision for successfully removing those challenges?

SQ: Like so many professional societies and associations, Lamaze International is navigating global challenges such as healthcare disruption and competition, health inequities and disparities, market volatility, digital transformation and what can seem like warp speed changes. Our organization needs to embrace these challenges by thinking “what is possible” versus “what was”. The Lamaze International Board of Directors has started this with Lamaze Ahead strategic visioning.  My role will be to marshal resources to support that vision and create efficient systems that allow the organization to be ready for what is ahead.

SM: It is important to build bridges between our organization and major maternal-infant health stakeholders.  As you settle into your new role as the Executive Director of Lamaze International, what plan do you have for furthering any existing relationships and forging new ones?

SQ: I plan to continue cultivating current relationships with our maternal and child health stakeholders as well as forge new partnership opportunities with groups that have vested interests in the healthy birth outcomes and maternal health. I plan to work with Lamaze International leadership and membership to communicate its evidence based Lamaze healthy birth practices which deliver positive health outcomes.

SM: Lamaze International presents as a global organization but in general has remained very US-centric since inception.  How do you feel we can grow the international side and diversify to truly position ourselves to serve families across the globe in an effective manner?

SQ: While the “Lamaze” brand is a globally recognized brand, the Lamaze International association is aspiring to become a truly international organization. The 2022 Board of Directors, which includes two international members, is tackling this issue. It will be important to communicate the value of Lamaze International certification both here and abroad to create a pipeline of dedicated professionals, and engage international members and stakeholders to learn about implementation of Lamaze International’s healthy birth practices and generate revenue to support resource development. Piloting programs in select key target areas may be one approach.

SM: What are some of your past professional experiences and skills that will help you to guide Lamaze International to more growth and expansion in the next few years.

SQ: I have over 20 years’ experience in association management and my clinical background as a speech-language pathologist working in healthcare settings will serve the organization well. In my previous role at the Association for Professionals in Infection Prevention and Control and Epidemiology (APIC), I was instrumental in forging partnerships and developing programs that expanded the influence of the membership in ensuring patient safety outcomes.

SM: If you looked into the future, when your time with Lamaze has ended, how would you want to be remembered as a leader of the organization?

SQ: I hope to be remembered as someone who helped create a thriving global organization that is recognized as the “gold standard” leading organization for birth education and birth education research. My wish is that I can be remembered as a valued partner in creating a positive work culture that supported innovation and growth.

SM: What question do you wish I would have asked you - and how would you have answered it?

SQ: I wish you had asked me about who else is tasked with ensuring Lamaze International’s successful future? I would answer, first YOU, the members and dedicated volunteer leaders on committees, passionate LCCEs and families that engage with Lamaze International are what drives the success of the organization. I hope to see more of you get connected. All associations rely on dedicated members who see the value of being part of a professional society that advocates for their livelihood and promotes the greater good. Second, a dedicated professional staff team that supports the membership and volunteer leaders to advance the mission. Working behind the scenes, they ensure the day to day operations are running smoothly. The staff have been invaluable to me as I start my Lamaze journey.

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