Dawn Watkins

Dawn received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy, with a minor in Pre-Law from the University of Baltimore and worked as an editor and writer for several local independent literary and music magazines in the Baltimore area. Inspired by the fierce women she met through volunteer work in local women’s shelters in the Baltimore, Dawn changed course, moved to Seattle, and attended Bastyr University to study alternative and traditional medicine receiving her MA in 2001. She continued that work for many years in several shelters throughout the Seattle area, starting a nonprofit in the tradition of the “barefoot” doctors of China and South America, providing free alternative health care as part of a street medicine program quite innovative for its time. After moving to California, Dawn served her community through work with local nonprofits for 18 years supporting survivors of domestic violence and children involved with the foster care system. Once again inspired by the strong women around her, she returned to her original education goals and completed her law studies, obtaining her Juris Doctorate in 2023.

She has worked for the past four years as a grant writer and nonprofit consultant while attending law school. She is motivated by the strength and resilience of the women and children she has worked with and a  desire to understand the world through service.

Dawn has known many brave women in her life and is most inspired by those who work behind the scenes in the quiet and unseen but powerful roles – the assistants, web-weavers, and healers. The world truly moves by their service. She is involved in Teen Court – a restorative justice program for youth, and her local Rotary club. She also enjoys going to see music, reading, cooking, traveling, and all things involving moss or other tiny mysterious creatures.