Elizabeth Aniakwa has been a leader in the social work field for over six years and is often referred to as Lizzy. Lizzy completed her Bachelor of Social Work at Jackson State University in Mississippi and earned her master’s degree in social work, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Jackson State as well. During her time at Jackson State, Lizzy focused on HIV infection and PrEP knowledge among college-age students. She is set to graduate in May 2025 with her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Her research interest lies in reducing the maternal mortality rate among Black women.
Lizzy’s capstone project addresses the maternal mortality rate among Black women in the United States. In her project, Elizabeth advocates for the maternal healthcare system in the United States to embrace pro-induction policies, a robust, comprehensive healthcare program that encourages Black women to take charge of their health and knowledge pre- and during pregnancy and other necessary policies changes, while also ensuring that Black woman and their families can hold accountable hospitals and doctors for medical negligence leading to the deaths/near-miss medical events that affect Black women during their quest for maternal care. Additionally, Lizzy’s capstone project calls for integrating midwives in birthing centers and hospitals to promote a more holistic and trauma-informed approach to childbirth in the United States. Lizzy identifies these necessary changes in the healthcare sector as a need to rebuild America's healthcare system. Despite her passion for the physical health of Black women, Lizzy is a Regional Site Supervisor at Maryhaven.