Employee Ambassador Spotlight: LaShawn Oliver

I have been an Administrative Assistant within what we now call our Social Impact and Sustainability team since 2011, supporting the MSD for Mothers commitment to improving maternal health outcomes for all. Prior to joining the MSD for Mothers team, I served as administrative support to executive directors and corporate media relations staff.

Family is at the heart of who I am. I was born and raised in Spanish Harlem, New York, and I’m the youngest of four siblings. I now call Pennsylvania home with my husband and two children, Bernard Jr. and Jah’nel, who recently got married.

Outside of work, I have a true passion for crafting, whether it’s sewing, making shirts, embroidery, or etching. During the pandemic, I began sewing masks for hospitals and first responders and ultimately made over 2,000 masks. What started as a way to give back soon grew into a small business that helped support ongoing donations. In my free time, I also help organize ‘Bowling for a Cause' events in my community, raising funds for high school graduates and local youth. These experiences have shown me just how powerful collective action can be in making a meaningful difference.

Lastly, I love to travel, take photos and listen to country music, especially Dolly Parton, whose storytelling really speaks to me. Creativity and giving back are at the heart of what I do, both professionally and personally.

Please describe your role within MSD for Mothers and what aspects of your work you find most meaningful or rewarding.

What I find most fulfilling is knowing that my work contributes to a mission that directly impacts women’s health. Within my role, I provide administrative and organizational support for our global team focused on increasing access to vital maternal health care for women around the world. My responsibilities include managing schedules, coordinating meetings and events, preparing documents and ensuring that communication flows smoothly across all projects and collaborators.

I especially enjoy working with my colleagues to understand each of their unique needs and finding the best ways to support them. Helping others is truly my love language, and I do it with a full heart. I do not shy away from any tasks that may extend beyond my core responsibilities, as being able to anticipate and respond to the needs of the team is something I truly value.

What advice or guidance would you give to colleagues who are interested in becoming involved with MSD for Mothers?

My biggest piece of advice is to really take the time to learn about the mission and connect with the people who are part of the team. Do not hesitate to get involved, even if you start small. Every single contribution, whether you are leading a presentation internally about the importance of our work through MSD for Mothers or just lending a helping hand, truly makes a difference.

Once you become involved, you quickly realize how deeply personal and impactful this work is. The more you discover, the more inspired you become to do even more. If you are passionate about raising awareness and helping to address the challenges that limit access to quality maternity care for women globally, MSD for Mothers is for you. It is a place where your work truly matters, and your heart will feel right at home.

How has your experience at MSD for Mothers influenced your personal and professional growth over the years?

MSD for Mothers’ mission has always been especially personal to me because my mother has always been a huge influence on my life, especially after my father passed away when I was seven. After his passing, my mother taught me the importance of resilience, compassion and family. Her strength has inspired my dedication to supporting mothers and families.

Early in my time with the team, I attended a meeting where colleagues shared powerful stories about the realities of maternal health care. As I listened, I realized how closely their experiences mirrored my own struggles as a young mother trying to navigate my care. Hearing others describe the very challenges I once faced, and that so many women still do, reminded me how deeply connected I am to our company’s mission to improve maternal health care. That moment gave me clarity, answered questions I didn’t even know I had, and sparked a passion in me that continues to grow every day.

On a personal note, my experience with this team, and in reflecting on my own experiences as a young mother, have inspired me to consider becoming a doula in the future to support others on their journey to motherhood. Knowing that we are working together to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life fills me with an immense sense of pride and gratitude to be part of this extraordinary company.