Neonatal World Conference 2026

Biography

Dr. Sonji Fatima Daniel Harold is a transformational leader, educator, author, and global advocate advancing equity across the maternal–fetal–neonatal continuum. Her life’s work stands as a powerful testament to the triumph of resilience, purpose, and healing over adversity. With an unwavering commitment to equity, restoration, and human dignity, Dr. Harold has devoted her career to empowering historically marginalized communities, advancing trauma-informed education, and uplifting the voices of those too often silenced by systemic neglect. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of S.A.B.R.E.E. Enrichment Academy, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in loving memory of her son, Sabree Marquis Daniel, whose life was tragically taken by domestic violence alongside his stepmother, Mrs. Renay Daniel. Through S.A.B.R.E.E.—Seizing Abundance Because of Resilience, Empowerment, and Edification—Dr. Harold has cultivated a holistic, healing-centered model designed to disrupt intergenerational cycles of trauma, poverty, and educational inequity, anchored in her signature framework: “From the Womb to the Classroom.” As part of her visionary leadership, Dr. Harold advances national and global initiatives that champion equitable, healing-centered care for infants, young children, and families within historically marginalized communities. She serves as the 2026 Chairperson of the Global Newborn Society (GNS) and as a Lead Editor of The Newborn, the Society’s medical journal. In these roles, she collaborates with an international network of neonatologists, pediatricians, and public health leaders dedicated to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes worldwide. Dr. Harold has contributed her expertise through service with several organizations advancing maternal and child health equity. She served as an Advisory Board Member of The Skylar Project (March–June 2025) and subsequently as a Member of its Board of Directors (June–December 2025), supporting NICU and bereaved families. She is also an Advisory Committee Member of Kindred360, an organization focused on addressing historic inequities and advancing culturally responsive care to end the Black maternal and child health crisis. In addition, Dr. Harold is a member of the International Neonatal Consortium (INC), a program of the Critical Path Institute (C-Path), which brings together researchers, clinicians, regulators, and industry leaders to accelerate the development of safe and effective therapies for newborns. She is also a partner with the PreemieWorld Foundation, Inc., co-founded by Mrs. Deb Discenza and Jenny McCormick, which works to ensure equitable access to patient education, advocacy tools, and outcomes data for families impacted by premature birth. She also serves as a strategic partner with Aerocharity–United Ministries. Through collaboration with renowned medical experts, including Dr. Akhil Maheshwari, neonatologist and Medical Advisor to S.A.B.R.E.E., Dr. Harold contributes to interdisciplinary efforts advancing equity-centered, healing-informed maternal and neonatal care. She is the author of “A Bill of Rights for Children Born into Marginalized Communities,” a framework guiding policy, research, and grassroots interventions aimed at closing racial and socioeconomic disparities in perinatal and early childhood outcomes. Dr. Harold is the acclaimed author of twelve books that blend scholarly insight, spiritual depth, and personal testimony. Her work explores trauma, pre- and post-traumatic stress, educational equity, and the transformative power of language, leadership, and loss—offering both healing and strategic direction for individuals and institutions committed to justice and restoration. Her leadership is deeply informed by her personal journey. After the murder of her father at age seven, a childhood marked by adversity and poverty, and the devastating loss of her son, Dr. Harold chose to transform pain into purpose. She forged a path of service and scholarship, ultimately earning a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership and emerging as a leading voice in resilience, advocacy, and systems transformation. With over two decades of leadership experience, Dr. Harold specializes in: • Maternal–fetal–neonatal health equity • Trauma-informed and culturally responsive care models • Patient advocacy systems and rights-based frameworks • Community-integrated early intervention strategies She is the architect of S.A.B.R.E.E. CareRights™, an emerging advocacy and documentation platform designed to empower patients, strengthen communication quality, and generate equity-driven insights across maternal and neonatal care systems. Dr. Harold is actively expanding strategic collaborations with global health leaders and institutions. Notably, her direct outreach to Mr. Rob Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Co., resulted in engagement pathways with Merck for Mothers, the company’s global initiative dedicated to strengthening maternal health systems and improving outcomes for women and families worldwide—reflecting a shared commitment to advancing equitable, high-quality maternal and newborn care. A contributing scholar to global medical discourse, Dr. Harold’s work emphasizes dignity, informed participation, and healing-centered systems. Her thought leadership bridges clinical care, policy, and community engagement—positioning maternal and newborn care as foundational infrastructure for lifelong outcomes. Through her writing, speaking, and program development, Dr. Sonji Fatima Daniel Harold continues to inspire transformational change—uplifting communities, advancing healing-centered leadership, and shaping a future where every child, regardless of origin, is afforded the opportunity to survive, thrive, and succeed.