Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cierra Bentley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Cierra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I feel that my parents did right by (1) instilling me with love, (2) always encouraging me to stand in my truth, and (3) teaching me the importance of education. My mother and father taught me to not make my environment an excuse to not excel especially being a product of an underserved, Black & Brown community. Their resilience and support is one of the main reasons why I am where I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a birth doula, mental health advocate, and creator that simply loves to educate the masses. My career started with me becoming a peer educator and fitness instructor during my undergraduate career, and now I have been working in the healthcare industry for over 10 years. I have worked in different sectors of healthcare – health information technology, fitness and nutrition, hospital administration, and nonprofit community services. Within the last 6 years, I started my journey as a birth worker after meeting and witnessing Black and Brown birthing people experiencing neglect and hostility from medical professionals during the laboring process. I wanted to be the change I want to see, so I became a birth doula. I am also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and so much more. I enjoy giving back to the community, and I’m a woman of Faith. I’m so proud of my perseverance because as we all know, life ain’t easy, but I continue to show up and show out with every opportunity I receive.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My podcast was a dream that I thought would never come true until I gained the courage to launch it in 2024. I was so worried about what everybody would think, if people would like it, etc. that I started telling myself that it can’t be done. After doing research and getting the tools needed, I followed my heart and my podcast, “A Dose of Vitamin Ci”, was born. I have always remained authentic in my journey regardless of how ugly things can get. My daily reminders are I’m not perfect but I’m human. I’m forever grateful and intentional because I know the possibilities are endless as long as I put in the work. I’m living proof for all the dreamers out there to never stop dreaming. Stop doubting yourself and just go for it!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Society is constantly evolving, and that’s no different from the healthcare industry. There’s always some new medication or technology that can help decrease health ailments while increasing quality of life. One thing that I feel has changed drastically is the lack of compassion, empathy, and personable skills these medical professionals (nurses, doctors, admins, etc.) possess. It seems like everybody is just “going by the book” when it comes to treating patients and that’s where we discover the root of medical biases and negligence. Some providers aren’t taking the time to get to know their patients and actively listen to what’s going on to properly address the issue. Not to mention that some patients, regardless of socioeconomic status, education level, race, ethnicity, etc., are intimidated by their providers and don’t think they can advocate for themselves. If we can educate healthcare professionals to be more effective in their approach as well as help patients understand their voices matter, we can bridge the gap and observe more positive health outcomes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _cibentley
• Facebook: Cierra Bentley
• Other: TikTok: _cibentley

Image Credits

4th & 5th Photo credit – Steven Butler (IG: sbjr_photography)