Makayla Dawkins
She/Her
4 Years in Care
Makayla Dawkins is a dynamic public health leader, youth advocate, and community strategist
whose work spans program management, health equity, and policy innovation. A proud double
graduate of the University of Connecticut, she earned her Bachelor’s in 2023 and recently
completed her Master of Public Health in Applied Public Health Sciences.
Throughout her academic journey, Makayla demonstrated a deep commitment to community
engagement through both her studies and extensive campus involvement. She contributed to
the Department of Psychology, the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies,
Student Health and Wellness, the Undergraduate Student Government, and multiple cultural
centers. Her leadership and advocacy have consistently centered on advancing equity
particularly for people living with HIV and children with incarcerated parents.
Makayla has led initiatives addressing harm reduction, sexual and reproductive health, mental
well-being, and workforce development for underrepresented communities. She has partnered
with organizations such as Youth Collaboratory, and the Family and Youth Services Bureau,
bringing expertise in Positive Youth Development, trauma-informed care, and intersectional
approaches to social change.
Her work has empowered thousands, creating sustainable menstrual health programs, leading
national grant review panels, and designing leadership pipelines for emerging professionals. A
sought-after speaker and facilitator, Makayla combines data-driven insights with authentic
storytelling, drawing from her lived experiences as the child of teen parents and an advocate for
justice-involved families. Whether she’s in the boardroom, the classroom, or the community,
Makayla inspires audiences to think boldly, act collaboratively, and lead with compassion.
