Makayla is the Youth Voice Organizer for Soar. She grew up in Leavenworth Kansas and studied sociology and psychology at Smith College. She has worked in educational outreach programs, youth residential treatment facilities, charter schools, and as an Academic Coach for students in Tacoma. She now advocates for youth and young adults in King County and nationally by convening the King County Youth Advisory Council and organizing the King County Community Action Team for Opportunity Youth United, a nationwide grassroots movement led by youth from nontraditional paths. She also interns as a Mental Health Therapist at You Grow Girl, a nonprofit that serves girl identifying youth and families in King County. In her spare time Makayla attends graduate school at Case Western Reserve University. She also writes and edits a blog about the Black experience in America called “where are the black leaders”.