Dr. Marcia L. Dinkins is a public health advocate and the founder of the Black Appalachian Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Black voices in Appalachia through story based strategies that center lived experience, environmental justice, and collective liberation. She holds a PhD in philosophy from Antioch University and has led BLAC successfully for more than a decade. Dr. Dinkins is also an accomplished author with multiple online publications and books including This Is My Black and Not Everybody Has Glasses. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Global Excellence Award in 2025. Beyond her advocacy, she is committed to teaching and mentorship, leading Bible study sessions for women twice a month. Looking ahead, Dr. Dinkins aims to scale BLAC so it can operate independently while she expands her impact through speaking engagements. Her philosophy centers on humanizing people, building relationships, and honoring the power of a strong, collaborative team.