“This work is a prayer. A prayer offered through photographs, stories, and in the sacred bond between a mother and her child.”

Rachel Jeraffi, Founder and Photographer

The seed for this work was planted in a moment of stillness—during a meditation in late 2019, when I was shown, clearly and powerfully, that a mother’s emotional and spiritual state can profoundly shape her unborn child. That vision became the heartbeat of W.O.M.B., The World Project, and the soul of what has now grown into Nissim-Nessim Maternal Light Inc.

I created this nonprofit to carry forward the legacy of three extraordinary human beings: my parents, Professor Eliahu Nissim and Mitza Nissim, whose love, wisdom, and unwavering belief in me gave me the courage to follow this path; and uncle Dr. Jose Nessim, a compassionate obstetrician-gynecologist who delivered countless babies and brought them safely into the world.

This work is a prayer. A prayer offered in photographs, in stories, in the sacred bond between a mother and her child. It is about bearing witness to beauty in places where resources are few but love is abundant. And it is about taking action—ensuring that every mother, no matter where she lives, has the support she needs to bring life into this world with dignity and care.

Through this organization, my mission is simple:
To honor those I love by providing essential care love and support to women carrying new life in developing countries.

With gratitude and light,
Rachel Jeraffi
Founder, Nissim-Nessim Maternal Light Inc.

In Loving Memory of

  • Dr. Jose Nessim

  • Eli and Mitza , my dear parents.

Maternal Light Board

  • Regan Danielle Renaud

    Regan Danielle Renaud is a seasoned traveler, mother of five, grandmother, educator, and cultural explorer, born and raised in California. With a degree in education and years of experience as an English teacher, Regan has dedicated her life to learning from and uplifting communities across the globe. Her travels have taken her across several continents, immersing her in diverse traditions—but it was Ethiopia that truly captured her heart. Though she had previously lived in Africa, the warmth, depth, and spirit of Ethiopia immediately felt like home.

    Guided by a profound respect for local cultures and a desire to create lasting impact, Regan partnered with the community in the South Omo Valley to establish Tribal Life Ecolodge—an eco-friendly lodge and camp that centers education, sustainability, and empowerment. The lodge serves not only as a place of hospitality but as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for change: training and employing members of nearby tribal populations, promoting sustainable farming practices, and supporting children’s education through guest contributions.

    Regan’s deep commitment to maternal strength, cultural preservation, and education aligns beautifully with the mission of W.O.M.B., The World Project. Her presence on the board brings both wisdom and heart, as she continues to champion the voices of women and communities often overlooked—working toward a world where every mother and child is seen, supported, and celebrated.

  • Veronica O’Reilly

    Veronica O’Reilly brings a lifetime of heartfelt service, leadership, and compassion to the board of Nissim-Nessim Maternal Light Inc. Raised in Brooklyn, New York, by a dedicated NYPD Homicide Detective and a nurturing mother, Veronica grew up as the eldest of five siblings in a home where service to others was a way of life. Her father, who coached for the Police Athletic League, instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude and a lifelong commitment to helping those in need—values that continue to guide her today.

    Veronica’s early exposure to philanthropic efforts laid the foundation for her passion to uplift underserved communities, especially women and children. After moving to Manhattan at 19, she found her calling in the hospitality industry, where she rose to the position of General Manager in East Harlem. There, she created a welcoming space that became affectionately known as “The Urban Cheers,” a hub of connection and care for people from all walks of life.

    As a single mother herself, Veronica made it a personal mission to support other single mothers—offering flexible jobs, building a community around her business, and even providing after-school care on-site. She also partnered with City Harvest to donate meals daily to New York’s homeless population, always ensuring no prepared food went to waste when it could nourish someone in need.

    Now retired from hospitality, Veronica serves as a certified intuitive life coach, guiding others with spiritual insight and compassion through life’s challenges. She brings her intuitive wisdom, real-world leadership, and fierce maternal heart to Nissim-Nessim Maternal Light Inc., where she is committed to advancing maternal wellness and dignity worldwide.

    She is the proud mother of one daughter and two grandsons, and remains a devoted advocate for mothers, children, and underserved families everywhere.

  • Rachel Jeraffi

    Rachel Jeraffi, President and founder of Maternal light, is a mother of three, a wife, and a photographer whose lens has lovingly captured the journey of pregnancy for over 25 years. From her studio in Los Angeles to villages across the globe, she has borne witness to the quiet strength and beauty of mothers everywhere. As the founder of WOMB The World Project, Rachel combines art, advocacy, and a deep belief in the mind-body connection and its influence on life in the womb, to shine light on maternal health in underserved communities. Her mission is rooted in love and urgency: no woman should die giving life.