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

Hi Asia, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I became pregnant with my first child in 2018 and decided to go with an OBGYN as my primary care provider. During my pregnancy I felt that I was treated like a customer versus a patient, feeling very disconnected and ignorant to my body changes. As a result, I went into a deep depression and was later diagnosed with preeclampsia with a consistent blood rate of a 195/80. I also had to get induced then had an emergency cesarean. It was a very traumatizing experience and I did not feel supported by my medical provider. I struggled connecting with my newborn initially. During my second pregnancy I decided to go with a midwife instead of an OBGYN with hopes for a better experience. This experience was worse, the midwife was very short and expressed frustration when I was seeking additional information regarding my pregnancy. I did not know where else to go and as a result, I had psychological affects with the second pregnancy as well.
I kept this information to myself for a long time and finally began talking to other women and realized they experienced mental and physical affects as well during their pregnancy. It has caused mortality, obesity, and depression amongst the women in the Detroit community. According to the CDC, 70 deaths per 100,000 live births is the most recent mortality rate amongst black women while other ethnicities are 30 or below deaths per 100,000 live births. It is also said that 80% of maternal deaths are preventable. This is when I had a defining moment and realized something had to be done and that women needed more support through their pregnancy journey. This defining moment birthed Harlee and Harper Women’s Association.
Harlee and Harper Women’s Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Detroit, established in February 2023 by myself. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to women in the Detroit metro area who are expecting or have children aged 0-12 months. Our focus areas include offering parental information, raising awareness about postpartum issues, and addressing potential psychological effects associated with pregnancies.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

In my current professional capacity, I have accumulated over 7 years of experience in management, overseeing both salaried and hourly workers. A significant achievement in my role has been my ability to effectively influence and assist my team members in reaching their personal objectives. One of my key strengths in management, which sets me apart from my peers, is my adeptness at establishing meaningful connections with individuals and providing them with a supportive outlet for their mental well-being. I firmly believe that prioritizing the needs of people fosters an environment of trust and openness within the team.

Throughout my career in management, I have cultivated a diverse skill set that includes but is not limited to discipline, strong interpersonal abilities, sound business acumen, and effective time management. These competencies have been instrumental in driving successful outcomes and fostering a positive work environment.

Above all, my journey in management has instilled in me the courage and determination to pursue my passion for making a difference. This has led me to embark on the creation of my own nonprofit business, where I am dedicated to empowering and inspiring women to achieve their full potential.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned throughout my career journey is the realization that success rarely comes without facing challenges. I’ve encountered various obstacles on my path to professional growth, including instances of rejection and encountering bias based on my gender or race. These experiences have served as valuable lessons, reinforcing the importance of resilience and determination in achieving my goals.

Understanding that I may need to exert additional effort compared to my peers has significantly enhanced my work ethic. I am deeply committed to overcoming obstacles and achieving success, and setbacks no longer deter me. Instead, they serve as opportunities for growth and learning, fueling my determination to excel in all endeavors.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

The paramount advice for effective team management entails cultivating a supportive environment once trust has been established and ensuring alignment with overarching objectives. It is imperative to recognize and leverage each team member’s strengths while also facilitating their professional development by addressing areas of improvement. Demonstrating unwavering advocacy for the team fosters a heightened sense of commitment towards achieving organizational goals.

Moreover, maintaining a culture of positive reinforcement is crucial. Acknowledging and appreciating individual contributions instills a sense of value and motivation within the team, thereby mitigating feelings of disillusionment or inadequacy. By emphasizing positive feedback over criticism, team morale remains uplifted, thereby enhancing productivity and overall team performance.

Contact Info:

• Website: harleeharperwa.com
• Instagram: @harleeharperwa
• Facebook: Harlee and Harper Women’s Association
• Twitter: @harleeharperwa