About Me

My name is Makiya Watkins. I am a senior at UNC Charlotte majoring in Health Systems Management with a minor in Public Health as well as Health and Medical Humanities. Starting off as a nursing major which didn't quite work out for me, led me to realize how much I would love to be an advocate for the less fortunate. I have many interests that I will like to pursue after graduation, after gaining additional knowledge on structural racism, I have applied for many jobs in this field to help reach my goals.

Educating the community on protecting all mothers no matter the insurance, race and negative stereotypes, could put an end to structural racism. I hope to be a social media advocate for those who lack knowledge on maternal and infant mortality.

With my major in Health Systems Management, I learned how to promote healthy communities. This has allowed me to work closely with COVID patients and partner with responsive population health systems. My Public Health Minor gave me opportunity and insight on how to help save the world. Lastly, the Health and Medical Humanities minor has given me a clear view and understanding on health as well as healthcare through humanistic perspectives.

This is a photo of me and my little family. The reason I want to share this photo is because I experienced inadequate care from my OBGYN.

After receiving my first ultrasound, the doctor discovered my unborn child had a light spot on her heart. As many know, this is a sign of down syndrome. I was a 19 year old scared mother, with very little knowledge on downsyndrome. Having medicaid insurance was a big disadvantage for me because I was giving the bare mininum care when I would attend my prenatal appointments. A normal women experiencing pregnancy related issues would receive frequent ultrasounds, during every visit to make sure the child is growing and developing properly. Sadly, I was only giving the four scheduled ultrasounds that medicaid paid for, but if my doctor would have notified my insurance group, I would have been given additional ones. I felt like my doctor did not care for me at all.

There was very little education on how to remain stress free and eat a healthier diet which could help my child's light spot disapper. This was a very difficult time for me and due to my experiences and the experiences of many other African American mothers, I will like to educate the world on this.