A Community Convening on Perinatal Mental Health Storytelling & Systems Change
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Core program concludes at 2:00 PM; optional healing and strategy sessions continue through 4:00 PM.
Wellnest
3787 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007
This is a free event, but RSVP is required as space is limited. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Presented by the California Perinatal Wellness Alliance (CPWA) and community partners – Maternal Mental Health NOW, Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, Black Women for Wellness, the LA County African American Infant and Maternal Mortality (AAIMM) Prevention Initiative, Claris Health, and Wellnest – building on our 2024 From Pain to Power LA convening of nearly 200 survivors, providers, and policymakers, and ongoing statewide movement-building efforts.
Join Us
From Pain to Power 2.0 is a survivor-led gathering bringing together parents, caretakers, birthworkers, healthcare providers, advocates, policymakers, and community leaders committed to transforming perinatal mental health systems in Los Angeles and across California.
Perinatal mental health conditions are among the most common complications of pregnancy and postpartum — yet too many families, especially Black, Brown, Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities, face stigma, isolation, and barriers to care.
This convening creates space to:
- Raise awareness and reduce stigma
- Center lived experience and survivor leadership
- Build solidarity across community members and decision-makers
- Advance collective action for systems change
This is not just a conference. It’s a space for healing, connection, and movement-building.
What to Expect
Survivor Storytelling
- Powerful personal stories that honor lived experience and illuminate gaps in care.
Policy & Systems Dialogue
- Conversations connecting community voice to concrete reforms in perinatal mental health.
Community Lab & Healing Sessions (2:00–4:00 PM)
- Optional small-group circles, advocacy workshops, and wellness offerings for those who wish to stay and deepen connection.
Breakfast, lunch, and wellness space will be available throughout the day.
Agenda & speakers coming soon.
Sponsorship Opportunities
As a survivor-led organizing formation, sponsorships make this convening possible. We are seeking additional sponsors to support:
- Survivor and speaker honoraria and stipends
- Travel and accessibility accommodations
- Meals and wellness offerings
- Storytelling and organizing resources
Sponsors are recognized across event materials and during the program. Sponsorship packages can be tailored to align with your organizational goals while supporting equitable access and community leadership.
About Pain to Power
From Pain to Power began in October 2024, when nearly 200 survivors, providers, and policymakers gathered in Los Angeles to elevate the perinatal mental health crisis and its disproportionate impact on Black women and marginalized communities.
Out of that, the California Perinatal Wellness Alliance (CPWA) was born — a survivor-led movement advancing storytelling, community leadership, and policy change across the state. Since then, CPWA has launched a statewide storytelling campaign, hosted an advocacy day in Sacramento, and developed organizing tools like our Pain to Power Party Toolkit.
From Pain to Power 2.0 builds on this foundation — deepening our commitment to ensuring that no parent falls through the cracks.
Participant Reflections – Pain to Power LA
“This was such a beautiful event; I did not expect to cry, nor share anything personal… thank you for empowering me and providing us with a space to heal.”
“In my 30 years as a psychologist, this was the most informative and emotionally truthful event I’ve ever been to.”
“This is hands down the best event I’ve ever attended in my health policy career. Thank you for your thoughtful curation and powerful storytelling.”
Questions?
Email us at cassie@calpwa.org
