The Doula Who Delivers
Dawn Lee, a community doula who supports families in underrepresented communities, sits with her daughter, Zoë George, to share the challenges and rewards of her work. Photo courtesy of Zoë George
“Being a community health doula, I support Black and brown people who are having babies — whether they’re under age, have a mental health issue, in a domestic violence situation, if they’re unhoused, if LGBTQ+. I help the community.”
By Zoë George
Follow Dawn Lee’s path from hospital administrator to community doula supporting families in neighborhoods identified by the city’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity. She gives back through doula services that nurture clients’ mental, emotional and physical well-being. In a conversation with her daughter, Zoë, Lee reflects on working in an often-unrecognized role and the deep emotional toll and rewards that come with it.
Zoë George is a senior at Bard High School Early College Manhattan. She co-founded her school’s crochet and fashion club, leads the art club, serves on the admissions team, and has participated in the CUE Art Initiative. She also works annually with the International African Arts Festival. When she isn’t busy reading Plato or Machiavelli for class, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and online window shopping.
The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is The Bell’s immersive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students. This year’s academy was made possible by support from the Spotify Studios Union.
