Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Content warning: This episode includes discussion of maternal death, infant distress, and violence-related instability in Haiti. Listener discretion is advised.
In this Women’s History Month and Podcasthon special, I’m joined by Angie Maldonado, founder of Espwa Means Hope, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working in rural, mountainous Haiti.
We talk about what it looks like when healthcare and education are not guaranteed, why Espwa focuses on maternal health and the “First 1,000 Days” (from pregnancy through age two), and how education, nutrition, and job creation can keep families together and strengthen whole communities.
Angie shares the real on-the-ground challenges of sustaining programs during instability and violence, and she explains specific, tangible ways people can help from far away, especially through monthly donations that fund meals, staff, security, and safer birth supplies.
Donate and learn more: EspwaMeansHopeHaiti.org
To learn more about Podcasthon, visit: podcasthon.org
Thank you for watching, and thank you for supporting women and children in Haiti.
Carpe diem,
Gabrielle Birchak
Key Topics Covered
- Why Espwa Means Hope was founded
- Maternal mortality and infant health realities in rural Haiti
- How community-led programs are built
- The “First 1,000 Days” and why nutrition and early learning matter
- Women’s empowerment through skills and small business (including sewing programs)
- What makes continuity of health and education programs difficult right now
- How to help in a practical, direct way through monthly support
Links
Espwa Means Hope (donate / learn more): EspwaMeansHopeHaiti.org
Content warning: This episode includes discussion of maternal death, infant distress, and violence-related instability in Haiti. Listener discretion is advised.
In this Women’s History Month and Podcasthon special, I’m joined by Angie Maldonado, founder of Espwa Means Hope, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working in rural, mountainous Haiti.
We talk about what it looks like when healthcare and education are not guaranteed, why Espwa focuses on maternal health and the “First 1,000 Days” (from pregnancy through age two), and how education, nutrition, and job creation can keep families together and strengthen whole communities.
Angie shares the real on-the-ground challenges of sustaining programs during instability and violence, and she explains specific, tangible ways people can help from far away, especially through monthly donations that fund meals, staff, security, and safer birth supplies.
Donate and learn more: EspwaMeansHopeHaiti.org
To learn more about Podcasthon, visit: podcasthon.org
Thank you for watching, and thank you for supporting women and children in Haiti.
Carpe diem,
Gabrielle Birchak
Key Topics Covered
- Why Espwa Means Hope was founded
- Maternal mortality and infant health realities in rural Haiti
- How community-led programs are built
- The “First 1,000 Days” and why nutrition and early learning matter
- Women’s empowerment through skills and small business (including sewing programs)
- What makes continuity of health and education programs difficult right now
- How to help in a practical, direct way through monthly support
Links
Espwa Means Hope (donate / learn more): EspwaMeansHopeHaiti.org
