Nakyda Dean is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist from the Midwest. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.  Due to her personal/family experiences of limited access to healthcare, she was inspired her to pursue a career in medicine; especially in underserved communities. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA in biochemistry and molecular cell biology.  She later completed a post-baccalaureate program at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Later she attended Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, IL. During her time at Loyola, Nakyda participated in a global health mission trip to Bolivia, which introduced her to a career in global health. As a medical student, she received two global health scholarships through the National Medical Fellowship and Global Electric Foundation and spent time in Ghana and Kenya addressing maternal and fetal health. Nakyda has an interest in cervical cancer screening and education. In her free time, Nakyda likes to dance, read, sew, crochet and mentor.