About Us
Evidence-Informed Strategy for Midwifery Education and Workforce Development
Our work brings together clinical midwifery practice, curriculum development, and research expertise to support the growth and sustainability of midwifery education and workforce systems. Led by Zul Ruiz Gines, we help institutions align curriculum, governance, and workforce strategy with accreditation standards—translating complex requirements into clear, actionable plans that strengthen programs and support long-term impact.
Informed.
Structured.
Sustainable.
Why This Team
Integrated expertise across clinical practice, education, and research
Our team has been carefully built to bring together expertise across clinical practice, education, and research—areas that must align for midwifery programs to succeed. We combine the experience of respected midwifery professionals, educators, and researchers with backgrounds in direct-entry midwifery, accredited program leadership, and nationally recognized research.
Together, we translate accreditation standards, workforce data, and policy requirements into clear, actionable strategies. This integrated approach ensures that decisions are evidence-informed, implementation-ready, and aligned across curriculum, governance, and workforce systems—supporting programs that are effective, accountable, and built for long-term sustainability.
Zulgeil (Zul) Ruiz Ginés, LM
Zulheil Gines Ruiz is a Licensed Midwife, educator, and midwifery leader with clinical experience in community birth settings across California and Florida. She has served as an instructor, consultant, and Executive Director of a nationally recognized midwifery school, where she advanced culturally responsive, practice-based education.
Her work focuses on strengthening midwifery training pathways and supporting the long-term sustainability of education programs. As a researcher, her interests center on the growth and viability of accredited midwifery education in the United States. She is currently pursuing graduate studies in applied medical anthropology, further deepening her expertise in research and evidence-informed strategy.
Together, we translate accreditation standards, workforce data, and policy requirements into clear, actionable strategies. This integrated approach ensures that decisions are evidence-informed, implementation-ready, and aligned across curriculum, governance, and workforce systems—supporting programs that are effective, accountable, and built for long-term sustainability.
Melissa Cheyney,Phd, LDM
Melissa Chaney is a professor of clinical medical anthropology and a national leader in maternal health and midwifery research. She has authored over 125 publications and led more than 30 major research initiatives funded by institutions including the NIH and private foundations. Her work focuses on improving quality, safety, and outcomes in community birth settings. Through research, teaching, and public engagement, she contributes to policy and systems reform that advances maternal healthcare at both state and national levels.
Molly Dutton-Kenny,CPM,RM
Molly Dutton-Kenny, CPM, RM is a Registered Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife with over a decade of clinical and educational leadership experience across Canada and the United States. Her work spans curriculum design, accreditation, and regulatory systems, with a focus on building sustainable midwifery education models. She leads organizational strategy, integrating evidence-informed frameworks with scalable program development. Her approach centers on preserving midwifery knowledge while strengthening its role within modern healthcare systems.
Our Vision
Why One Million Midwives?
The International Confederation of Midwives, in partnership with the PUSH campaign, is proud to launch One Million More Midwives, a global petition calling on governments and health leaders to grow, support, and sustain the midwifery workforce.
Midwives are the solution. They save lives, protect rights, and improve the quality of care for women and newborns. Upcoming research confirms that the world is short by one million midwives — the number needed to meet global sexual and reproductive health needs. With one million more, we could prevent 67% of maternal deaths, 64% of newborn deaths, and 65% of stillbirths by 2035 — saving more than 4.3 million lives by 2035.
~ICM One Million More Midwives Global Petition
Our Vision
Why One Million Midwives?
The International Confederation of Midwives, in partnership with the PUSH campaign, is proud to launch One Million More Midwives, a global petition calling on governments and health leaders to grow, support, and sustain the midwifery workforce.
Midwives are the solution. They save lives, protect rights, and improve the quality of care for women and newborns. Upcoming research confirms that the world is short by one million midwives — the number needed to meet global sexual and reproductive health needs. With one million more, we could prevent 67% of maternal deaths, 64% of newborn deaths, and 65% of stillbirths by 2035 — saving more than 4.3 million lives by 2035.
~ICM One Million More Midwives Global Petition
Why Choose One Million Midwives?
Trusted by Leading Midwifery Schools & Birth Organizations
Commonsense Childbirth
School of Midwifery
Trusted by Leading Midwifery Schools & Birth Organizations
Commonsense Childbirth
School of Midwifery
Awards, Fellowships
& Media Recognition
Zul Ruiz Gines’ work as a midwife, educator, and researcher has been recognized through national awards, competitive fellowships, and media features highlighting her contributions to midwifery education and maternal health.
Her academic and research work has also been distinguished by the successful award of a $500,000 grant supporting her graduate research—demonstrating strong institutional confidence in both the vision and impact of her work.
Zul was selected as a recipient of the Jennie Joseph Honorary Fellowship for Midwifery Research (2024–2026), awarded by Commonsense Childbirth Inc. This fellowship recognizes emerging leaders whose work advances midwifery, strengthens community-centered care models, and addresses inequities in maternal and infant health.
Zul has been recognized as a 2024 Local Hero through the Phoenix Awards and has contributed to nationally recognized initiatives in midwifery education and workforce development. Her work has been featured in media outlets including Univision, where she highlights the role of midwifery in contemporary maternal care.
Awards, Fellowships
& Media Recognition
Zul Ruiz Gines’ work as a midwife, educator, and researcher has been recognized through national awards, competitive fellowships, and media features highlighting her contributions to midwifery education and maternal health.
Her academic and research work has also been distinguished by the successful award of a $500,000 grant supporting her graduate research—demonstrating strong institutional confidence in both the vision and impact of her work.
Zul was selected as a recipient of the Jennie Joseph Honorary Fellowship for Midwifery Research (2024–2026), awarded by Commonsense Childbirth Inc. This fellowship recognizes emerging leaders whose work advances midwifery, strengthens community-centered care models, and addresses inequities in maternal and infant health.
Zul has been recognized as a 2024 Local Hero through the Phoenix Awards and has contributed to nationally recognized initiatives in midwifery education and workforce development. Her work has been featured in media outlets including Univision, where she highlights the role of midwifery in contemporary maternal care.
Testimonials
Real Stories,
Real Comfort.
What Our Clients Say
Zul Ruiz-Ginés is a leader and expert in midwifery education and accreditation and has been instrumental in strengthening Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery’s academic integrity and continued growth.
Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery
Jennie Joseph, LM, CPM, Founder and President of Commonsense Childbirth
We proudly partnered with Kibi to develop and deliver the educational content for the National Black Midwives Alliance Conference, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality learning experience.
Their team strengthened engagement and accessibility, allowing attendees to access and retain critical midwifery knowledge well beyond the conference.
National Black Midwives Alliance
Nichole Wardlaw, CNM
Zul y su equipo brindan acompañamiento empático y estratégico que reduce la carga mental del proceso de reestructuración. Entienden rápidamente las necesidades sin sobreexplicación, cuidan los detalles y ya están generando resultados tangibles. Son altamente recomendados para reorganizar organizaciones de forma sostenible.
Asociación de Parteras de Puerto Rico
Tamara Trinidad, President of APPR
Speaker & Keynotes
Zul Ruiz Gines is a recognized midwife,speaker and researcher who delivers keynotes and professional presentations for midwifery education and leadership audiences.
Drawing on her work in research and program development, she translates accreditation standards, evidence, and workforce data into clear, actionable strategies.
Her presentations provide practical insights on governance, curriculum alignment, and workforce development—equipping institutions with the tools to make informed, strategic decisions and measurable improvements.
Ready to Strengthen Your Midwifery Program?
Schedule a consultation to explore evidence-informed strategies for accreditation readiness, curriculum enhancement, and workforce sustainability. Together, we create frameworks that deliver measurable institutional improvements.
We support midwifery organizations, educators, and leadership teams in strengthening training programs, aligning governance, and expanding the midwifery workforce through evidence-informed strategy and practical implementation.
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