Lakeia Nard

Lakeia Nard is the founder of Melanin Children Matter Inc. (MCM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for children affected by rare diseases and developmental differences. Lakeia is an active member of several boards and councils, including the Patient Advisory Board for Leal Therapeutics, the Board Advisory Member for Leith Lab at Yale School of Medicine, and the Advocacy Leadership Council for Global Gene Alliance. She is also part of Many Shades of IAMALS, advocating for families impacted by rare conditions like SPTLC2.

With an academic background in psychology, criminal justice, and early childhood education, Lakeia’s passion for advocacy was shaped by her personal experience as a mother of five. The loss of her youngest child to SPTLC2 pediatric ALS led her to establish MCM, where she is focused on improving research, care access, and supporting families navigating complex medical needs. Lakeia is committed to advancing meaningful change in healthcare and education for underserved communities, fostering awareness and support for those facing rare diseases and neurodiversity.