Summer McBride is a mother of five sons and a dedicated advocate for families navigating the challenges of the NICU and early childhood systems. Her second son spent nearly a month in the NICU and today is a thriving 19-year-old who loves writing and producing his own original compositions. This lived experience fuels her passion for advancing family-centered care, reproductive justice, and maternal and infant health, alongside her professional work as a certified community health worker, parent educator, and facilitator.
Summer currently serves as Vice Chair of the First 5 LA Board of Directors and Chair of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services Commission, while also holding leadership roles in education, labor, and maternal health initiatives. She co-founded Strength in Tiny Steps to support NICU families, served as faculty with Safe & Sacred Pregnancy, and sits on the African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Community Action Team. In every role, Summer endeavors to bridge personal experience with professional expertise to ensure that families are seen, supported, and celebrated.