Champion Profile: Jan FrenchJanuary 12, 2009 |
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 Jan French is the director of programs for LA Best Babies Network, an instrumental partner in First 5 LA's Healthy Births Initiative. French oversees the development and implementation of programs at the Network, primarily focusing on linking organizations so pregnant women and new mothers may receive critical care seamlessly. French was born in a small town in rural New Hampshire. "Everyone worked at the local mill, shopped at the "general store" and only traveled to the city, which was 40 miles away with a population of 25,000, for items not available locally," French said. While her young life was mostly idyllic, friends' pregnancies as teenagers and town tragedies propelled her to seek ways to support families and prevent such events. A graduate of Lycoming College, a small liberal arts college in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, French attended the University of Colorado School of Nursing in Denver and received a degree in skilled nursing and then midwifery. She also studied epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health. French went on to teach and became a faculty member at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Nurse Midwifery faculty and School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She also worked collaboratively with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to compile a report on the low birth weight problem in Colorado. Which book has most influenced your life? Ghosts from the Nursery: Tracing the Roots of Violence, by Robin Karr-Morse, Meredith S. Wiley, and Dr. T. Berry BrazeltonWhich historical figure do you admire most and why? Elizabeth Cady Stanton - she spoke her mind and fought for change despite great opposition. What is your idea of a perfect world? A world in which people celebrate their individuality, meet on a basis of respect, curiosity, and equality, and live together, socially, economically, and politically. -Adapted from Shirley Chisholm What is the greatest challenge the children and families of L.A. County face today? Economic depression. The current economic challenges threaten public and privately supported programs and services cutting access to healthcare, as well as early learning, advocacy, and social support programs. What is your motto? Don't ask, "Why is this happening?" Ask how can we make it different. |
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