Speaking Engagements & Professional Training

I offer workshops and professional trainings on a variety of topics relating to perinatal emotional wellness and the transition to parenthood, including
  • An overview of perinatal mental health and perinatal mood & anxiety disorders (PMADs)
  • Screening for perinatal mood & anxiety disorders within the scope of your clinical practice
  • Engaging with microaggressions in perinatal settings
  • Understanding perinatal mental health in the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American (APIDA) community
  • Understanding how cultural narratives impact perinatal mental health in BIPOC and first- and second-generation immigrant populations

I speak and provide trainings at myriad events and for various professional groups, including
  • The Postpartum Support International Annual Conference
  • The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership Integration Forum
  • The Massachusetts State WIC Conference
  • The Partners in Perinatal Health Annual Conference
  • Microsoft Asian Employee Resource Group
  • The Minority Mental Health Summit
  • Accompany Doulas
  • Grand Rounds for OB residents and faculty at Tufts Medical Center
  • Grand Rounds for social workers at Beth Israel Lahey
  • The Massachusetts Lactation Consultant Association (MLCA)
  • Nurses for Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Lifeline for Moms

 Contact me if you would like me to speak to your organization.

Upcoming events

Pathways to Healing: A discussion about APIDA mental health and intergenerational trauma and healing
Facilitated with Maria Dolorico
At Narrative Bookshop in Somerville, MA on May 21, 2024
At Panethnic Pourovers in Quincy, MA on May 23, 2024
In conversation with Sahaj Kohli of Brown Girl Therapy about her book "But What Will People Say"
At Narrative Bookshop in Somerville MA
May 28, 2024

Recordings of past speaking engagements

Boston Globe Summit: Closing the Gaps in Maternal Mental Health Care
​A panel discussion facilitated by Kara Baskin of the Boston Globe, September 26, 2024
Behind the Curtain: How Mental Health Affects Our South Asian Partners
A facilitated conversation with Shivani Hiralal and Anand Patel about their postpartum mental health journey, May 29, 2024 
Strength in Our Heritage, Strength in Our Healing: Perinatal Mental Health in AAPI Communities
Coloring the Conversation with the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, May 31, 2023
Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin, September 30, 2020
"Mental Health and Its Stigma in South Asians"
Perinatal Mental Health in the South Asian Community
Facebook Live for Postpartum Support International, September 16, 2020
Divya Kumar speaking at the MA State House
Speaking at the Bringing PPD Into the Light: Decreasing Stigma, Supporting Families, and Implementing Policy Change in Massachusetts, the first PPD Awareness Day at the MA State House
"Divya speaks from the wisdom of her body -- she shares love and humor and weaves personal stories with a robust analysis of structural inequity and the promise of liberation. I’ve been captivated when she speaks in meetings -- from podiums, at the State House, and then on Zoom. Her voice is a gift to both individuals and movements for justice."
- Nashira Baril, MPH, Founder of Neighborhood Birth Center
“Divya was a dynamic and engaging speaker. She addressed a complex topic with ease, providing examples of simple changes in obstetric care to help address perinatal mental health and also continuing to care for the whole patient.”   
- Megan Evans, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine
"Divya Kumar is a fierce advocate, dedicated to addressing perinatal mental health needs within communities of color. She is a fantastic collaborator and presenter, leaning in to complex topics, such as racial justice, health inequities and microaggressions within the clinical workspace. She has a natural ability to cultivate audience participation while creating an environment where diverse opinions can be safely heard. Her enthusiasm and sensitivity are greatly admired by her peers."
- Joanna Cole, PhD, PMH-C, Perinatal psychologist