Rise Up Together's Evening of Impact
In a world where rights are under attack and progress is hard-won, joy is a radical act — and a powerful force for change.
Held on March 12, 2026 at The Progress in San Francisco, Rise Up Together’s Evening of Impact brought together changemakers, philanthropists, and global leaders to celebrate the courage, creativity, and resilience of Rise Up Leaders advancing gender equity and justice across the globe.
Our Evening of Impact Speaker
Olivia Favela-Gary
Rise Up Leader, California
Olivia Favela-Gary is the Executive Director of the California Nurse-Midwives Foundation, a dedicated midwife, and a passionate advocate for improving access to quality maternal care for low-income and underserved communities of color across California. Through her work with Rise Up Together, Olivia is improving maternal and newborn health outcomes by establishing free birthing centers for marginalized families.
After earning her master’s degree in Midwifery from Philadelphia University in 2013, Olivia spent five years as a staff midwife before becoming Director of the Women’s Health Center in 2019. In 2020, Olivia expanded her practice to include home births and birth assistance while navigating the challenges of COVID-19. She is a founding member of the Health Bump Club, an online platform for pre-pregnant, pregnant, and postpartum women, and currently serves as a staff midwife at Eisner Health in Los Angeles.
“I’ve witnessed how structural racism, intergenerational trauma, and policy barriers shape outcomes long before someone enters labor. Today, my work is driven by the belief that midwives – especially midwives of color – are essential architects of a healthier, more just maternal health landscape. My inspiration now is not only the families I serve, but the collective movement we are building across California.” — Olivia Favela-Gary
Learn more about Olivia's story here.
