With heavy hearts, we share the news that our beloved Executive Director, Cecile Edwards, has passed away after a long period of illness. 

Cecile first joined NJBEFA as a Community Advisory Committee member, eventually leading the organization for three years as our first-ever executive director. Cecile was NJBEFA’s guiding light. She not only championed our vision and values—she embodied them. 

Cecile described birth equity as “a cause for all of us, as we all enter this world through birth,” and was committed to working toward a future where this shared experience would unite us in collective impact. She cared deeply about the well-being of others and consistently reminded us that community—rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared power—was the foundation of our alliance and, always, our greatest strength.  

As we reflect on her passing, all of us at NJBEFA stand ever grateful to have been part of Cecile’s community. She made us stronger, better, and more connected, and we will miss her deeply. To Cecile’s family and dear friends, many of whom have become part of NJBEFA’s community thanks to her care and bridge-building, we send our love and warm embraces.

Cecile encouraged us to see joy as “not merely the absence of suffering, but the presence of dignity, love, and uplift.” May we continue to carry that joy forward in her honor.