Cortes is more than just a doula—she is an advocate, a mentor, and a mother. Her journey into birth work began with a deep passion for healthcare and an unshakable commitment to social justice.
A registered nurse since 2003, Cortes started her career at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s pediatric rehabilitation center. Even during her clinical training, she found working with children deeply emotional and meaningful. She viewed healthcare not just as a way to heal people but as a means to mend families and communities.
Her professional path took an unexpected turn when she left hospital work to enter full-time ministry and social work. It was during this time that she encountered Jamarah Amani, the executive director of the Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN). Their shared passion for birth justice and advocacy led Cortes to join SBJN’s doula program, ultimately becoming a Certified Birth Justice Doula and is now the Director of Advocacy and Outreach for the organization.
One of the most transformative experiences of her career occurred when she supported a young woman through childbirth. Despite systemic challenges and mistreatment by medical professionals, Cortes stood by her client’s side, advocating for transparency and dignity in her care. In a twist of fate, and at the request of the birthing mother, Cortes later became the foster mother to that baby and his sibling, reinforcing the profound connection between her work and her personal life.
“I’m a cancer conqueror who has had 8 years of chemotherapy. I always wanted to be a mom, but for the last few years, I had to focus on battling cancer. But, God knew my heart and he sent me those two babies”, she shared.
James is vocal about the obstacles facing birth workers and the families they serve. She cites the inadequacies of Florida’s Medicaid infrastructure, systemic racism in maternal healthcare, and restrictive reproductive laws as major barriers to equitable birth experiences.
“During my professional career, I have understood that a healthy person makes a healthy family and that makes a healthy community.”
Nevertheless, she remains hopeful. Through SBJN, doulas are being integrated into hospital settings, reducing C-section rates and fostering collaboration between medical professionals and birth advocates.
Her vision for the future is clear: more doulas, more midwives, and more advocacy. She believes that empowering mothers to speak up for themselves will create lasting change in communities.
“Advocacy remains at the heart of my work,” Cortes says. “This work is deeply personal and profoundly rewarding, and I am committed to continuing the fight for birth justice.”
Stand with Southern Birth Justice Network as we continue to demand dignity, equity, and safety for all birthing people by joining the Florida Statewide Birth Justice Coalition. Help us amplify the Birth Justice Bill of Rights—a powerful declaration affirming every person’s right to respectful, culturally affirming, and empowering care. Be sure to explore and share the Maternal Health Guide, a critical tool created to educate, inform, and protect our communities.
Together, we can build a future where all births are just and all families thrive.
Florida Health Justice Project engages in comprehensive advocacy to expand health care access and promote health equity for vulnerable Floridians.
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) toll-free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
