Meet Amanda Deweese

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

Hi Amanda, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Having been born in South Korea and adopted by a rural, small-town, White family in a town with very little diversity, I have often been the only one in the room that looks like me. At one point, I remember someone showing me the demographics for my town, and the percentage of Asian folks literally equaled 1 person (me!). From a young age, I think that this helped to push me towards success because I felt like I always had to “prove” myself. I also felt like achievements and accomplishments would help protect me from being pushed down. This drive for excellence stayed with me my whole life, even when I have sometimes remained being the only one in the room that looks like me in school and work environments. There have been times, of course, when I have been subject to racism throughout my life, but I have worked hard to overcome any disparities that I have encountered and pick myself back up when I get pushed down.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a private practice international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). My practice is called Sidekicks Lactation, lovingly named after my 5 sons, who are my little sidekicks, and the philosophy that the parents that I work with are SuperParents, and I’m just their trusty breastfeeding sidekick. My goal is to make their lives easier, while providing excellent, evidence-based care. I also love mentoring other IBCLCs, helping them to get their businesses on the ground or streamlining the processes that they currently have. I have a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health (MCH), am Certified in Public Health (CPH), and am a La Leche League (LLL) Leader.

I also have a second business as a professional editor and research consultant. I primarily specialize in dissertations, manuscripts for publication, and grants, but I am open to projects of all kinds. Some of my favorites includes resumes, cover letters, and applications because I love helping folks achieve their dreams!

Aside from my two businesses, I teach Public Health courses at Fayetteville State University, where I have had the great privilege to teach courses like Maternal and Child Health, Human Sexuality, and Public Health Policy & Practice.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three things that have been most impactful on my journey have been my love of philanthropy and helping folks; my dedication as a lifelong learner and strong education background; and my grit–not letting anybody put me down and keep me down!

One of the best things that you can do is believe in yourself! Even if no one else seems to. Get a mentor to help walk you through it if you are unsure. Find what you love and what you are really passionate about, and hold onto that. Lastly, just keep going!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always down to collab with other birthworkers for events, classes, lives, etc. with my private practice. I’m also currently looking for contractors and interns!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Love Photography by Kelsie Johnson

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