Tara Lawal, MSM, RN, is a native of Seattle, with roots from Hawaii and India. Her parents had nine children and taught her that birth should be family-centered, and promote feelings of safety and confidence. As a trained midwife, she values those principles and values women as the ultimate decision makers about their care. Tara graduated with her Masters of Science in Midwifery from Bastyr University and is a Registered Nurse. Tara served for 3 years on the Board of Directors for the Midwives Association of WA state, and is now an active member of the Pacific Islander Health Board. Tara is a co-founder of the South Seattle Women’s Health Foundation and the current Executive Director of the Rainier Valley Community Clinic. She loves going on adventures with her son, 13 nieces and nephews, and traveling the world with her husband.