The UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative is thrilled to announce that we have appointed a new Associate Director, Selina Lao Mason. Selina, who has been at PTBi since 2017, brings an experienced and energetic perspective to our leadership, with a focus on translating research to meaningful change, and transforming the landscape of status quo research to prioritize community partnership.
Selina has over a decade of experience as an advocate for equity and justice, and leading programs that center community partnership, health and racial equity, and trauma-informed practices. Previously, she served as a Program Manager supporting our policy core, collective impact, and community events, and dedicated her advocacy efforts to emergency housing for pregnant people in San Francisco, UC-wide sexual violence policy change, ensuring basic needs security for students at UC Berkeley, and adolescent suicide prevention. In 2023, she was an Advocacy and Communications Fellow for the UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health.
Selina has a proven track record in leading our policy core efforts, working groups, and directing advocacy initiatives including oversight and funding of multiple research grants and projects related to PTBi’s policy priorities. She is committed to creating equitable birth and postpartum experiences for all parents and families of color through anti-racist practices, academically rigorous and community-partnered research, and centering the voices of those who are most marginalized. As someone who recognizes the importance of direct service and lived experience, Selina was recently certified as a Lactation Education Specialist.
“Selina’s unwavering dedication and passion for preterm birth and Black women's reproductive justice have been a beacon of inspiration to us all. As an ally and advocate, she has consistently championed the voices and rights of Black women, ensuring they receive the respect, care, and justice they deserve,” shares former Community Advisory Board member and lactation consultant Brandi Gates-Burgess. “Her commitment to building bridges between academic partners and the community has opened doors to transformative collaborations, deeper understanding and more inclusive approach to reproductive health and research.”
Selina is taking up the role previously held by Solaire Spellen and will start on August 1. In partnership with Executive Director Areca Smit, she will provide oversight and day-to-day management of the sponsored research portfolio, lead our administrative staff, manage financial aspects such as granting mechanisms and compliance, and develop relationships with community, governmental, and nonprofit organizations to raise funds, awareness, and build resources.
“Selina has a positive impact on every space she enters,” says Executive Director Areca Smit. “She brings a great deal of care, commitment, and allyship to the work and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her on our team and stepping up into the Associate Director role.”
Selina brings a passion for racial equity, advocacy experience, and deep understanding of the challenges faced by Black birthing people, Black mothers, and Black families to the organization. We are so excited to have Selina assume this leadership role as we continue our commitment to furthering birth research while addressing and dismantling structural and interpersonal racism.
