Graduate Student Association

McKenzie Smith is pursuing her Master of Social Work at North Carolina Central University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in criminal justice from UNC Charlotte and plans to pursue law school, building on her interests in policy and legal advocacy.

Through her work with the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, McKenzie supported efforts to connect individuals with legal resources and community services. Her leadership and programming experience includes serving as external affairs director for Housing and Residence Life and program coordinator for the Campus Activities Board at UNC Charlotte.

As GSA president, McKenzie is committed to representing graduate student needs, connecting students with resources and professional development opportunities, and working collaboratively to support their success inside and outside the classroom.

Aliyah Marshall is a Master of Social Work student at North Carolina Central University with a professional background in education, community engagement, and program coordination.

As GSA vice president of external partnerships and events, she is passionate about creating opportunities for graduate students to connect with community partners, alumni, and professionals while strengthening connections across campus.

Outside of her academic and leadership roles, Aliyah is a certified yoga instructor who enjoys spending time at the park, dancing, and making memories with family and friends.

Dawn Modest is pursuing her master’s degree in clinical mental health and addictions counseling at North Carolina Central University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University.

As an Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Research (IAIER) Emerging Scholar, Dawn works with Dr. Penny Carroll on an AI-driven program that helps aspiring behavioral health practitioners strengthen their clinical skills before entering practicum fieldwork. She also serves on IAIER’s Student Advisory Board, contributing to discussions about responsible AI, student success, and community-centered research.

Dawn serves as her Chi Sigma Iota counseling honor society chapter’s coordinator of student membership and outreach. Her professional background spans corporate legal services, nonprofit leadership, faith-based organizations, and public education.

As GSA vice president of student success and engagement, Dawn is committed to strengthening connections, advancing student-focused initiatives, and helping graduate students stay informed and involved, whether online or in person.

Gifty Opoku is a Master of Public Administration candidate at North Carolina Central University. As GSA chief of staff, she provides operational and executive support to the executive board and supports communication with graduate students.

Previously, Gifty served as a graduate administrative assistant in NCCU’s Department of Public Administration, supporting faculty, departmental projects, academic operations, and student engagement. She also brings experience in public administration, program coordination, workforce development, and administrative operations through her work with Ghana’s Youth Employment Agency, where she supported youth employment and skills-training initiatives.

Gifty is an inductee of Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public affairs and administration. She is passionate about student leadership, public service, and supporting individual and community development.