Doulas Latinas International (DLI) is a nonprofit, community-based organization committed to advancing health equity and reducing maternal health disparities in Latino-Indigenous-Hispanic-Black communities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and rural populations across Oregon. Founded by Dr. Sandra Hernandes and María Antonia Placencia Sanchez, DLI integrates Latin-Indigenous cultural knowledge, community-based research, and Popular Education principles to train and support community-based doulas.
At the heart of DLI’s work is the LADO® (Latinas A Su Lado / By Your Side) Curriculum, a multicultural and multilingual doula training program recognized by the Oregon Health Authority. Developed through decades of experience and collaboration with BIPOC leaders, the curriculum provides over 200 hours of culturally specific training rooted in the traditions of Mexico, Guatemala, and Native American communities.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, DLI launched the ACHE’ Alliance and the Confianza/TRUST program, providing virtual perinatal support to over 5,000 individuals and training dozens of Traditional Health Workers to meet the urgent needs of families in Oregon. DLI continues to lead in perinatal workforce development, public health advocacy, and culturally centered maternal care.
