Q&A with Outgoing Board Chair Julia Hoagland
Reflections on Leadership, Service, and the Future of BAMA
As Julia Hoagland wraps up her term as Board Chair of BAMA USA, we sat down with her to reflect on what it means to serve, lead, and stay committed to a cause that saves lives.
What does it mean to serve on the Board of Directors of a nonprofit?
Serving on a nonprofit board is an opportunity to make a positive difference—not only in the lives of the communities the organization serves through financial and operational support, but also in the lives of your fellow board members through shared passion, collaboration, and expertise.
It's important to understand your “why.” These are volunteer positions, and board members are generally expected to contribute to fundraising efforts. Unlike a traditional job, money is not the motivator. Your impact is directly tied to the energy you bring—especially when it comes to fundraising and engagement. To serve well, you need to know what drives you and how you’ll sustain that motivation.
What’s so special about BAMA—its work, its team?
There are many things that keep me deeply engaged with this board and organization. First and foremost, BAMA literally saves lives. It’s incredibly meaningful to contribute to an organization where your time and energy move the needle on something so vital.
Our local team in Uganda is three times the size of our U.S.-based team. We truly believe in leveraging local talent for what locals do best—and that makes BAMA both efficient and effective.
BAMA also helps level the playing field. I believe that every person deserves equal access to healthcare, regardless of where they were born. That belief is central to our mission.
And finally, I’m constantly inspired by the commitment of my fellow board members. Half of the current BAMA Board has served for more than five years. That level of dedication is rare—and it’s motivating.
When did you join the BOD? When did you become Board Chair?
I joined the BAMA Board in 2018 and became Board Chair in 2022.
What’s the role of the Board Chair? How much time does it involve, and what skills are needed?
The Chair’s role is to align the Board around the strategy needed to fulfill the organization’s mission. Leadership and managerial skills are helpful, but so are empathy, adaptability, and the ability to inspire.
On average, the role requires about 5 to 10 hours per month—including time spent on fundraising.
Unlike in a for-profit environment, where financial compensation helps drive accountability, the Chair of a nonprofit must find non-financial ways to keep everyone motivated. This is an all-volunteer group, so a positive attitude, ongoing creativity, and a slightly thick skin are all useful qualities in the role.
What was on your agenda when you became Chair?
My main goal was to leave the Board stronger than I found it. That meant building the team, creating structure—including instituting term limits—and aligning the Board around shared goals, especially fundraising and recruitment.
Did that vision come to life? What are you most proud of?
Yes. I’m proud that we have a strong and capable candidate ready to succeed me. I’m proud to be handing over systems for Executive Committee meetings, Board retreats, and meeting agendas that will serve the team well going forward.
I’m proud of inserting a culture of regular brainstorming into BAMA’s daily life—it’s created more openness and collective energy.
And I’m incredibly proud that, despite some very intense storms, the organization has emerged stronger and more recognized in the maternal and newborn health space.
Looking back, what was your personal highlight?
For me, the highlight has always been seeing someone step up their personal engagement. That’s the moment I know something within BAMA has truly inspired them.
Whether it’s recommending a new board member, putting themselves forward for a leadership role, volunteering at an event, or simply lending their support to a fellow board member—those little acts of ownership and generosity are what I call “joy snacks.” And I’ve been lucky to enjoy many.
What’s your advice to the incoming Board Chair?
Keep the faith. Even if you’re not getting much feedback in the moment, you’re doing important work. People are busy, and this is a volunteer position—so it can be quiet sometimes.
But never stop reminding the Board how valuable their engagement is. Everyone is here by choice, and your encouragement helps keep that choice alive.
If you had to sum up your experience in one word, what would it be?
Humbled.
Any final thoughts for the team, donors, or broader BAMA community?
Just deep gratitude. To the BAMA team in Uganda and the U.S., to my fellow board members, and to our supporters—thank you for trusting in this work and pushing it forward. None of this is possible without you.
What’s next for you? Will you stay involved with BAMA?
Yes, I’ll continue serving on the Board. I plan to stay active in fundraising, refining our processes for identifying and onboarding new board members, and being a “Board buddy” to newer members.
I look forward to contributing to BAMA’s next chapter—and continuing to support the organization’s powerful, life-saving mission.
Julia, on behalf of the BAMA team, thank you for your great leadership, passion, and dedication. You truly left your mark.
Are you interested in joining our Board of Directors? Please reach out to communications@babiesandmothersalive.org
