Makenzie Lyon is based in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and serves as a Cultural Health Navigator at Jackson County Public Health. Makenzie’s connection to the communities she serves is grounded in the understanding that true health equity means meeting people where they are—not where others think they should be. Working primarily with immigrant and Spanish-speaking families, she has learned that effective public health relies on listening, building trust, and honoring each family’s unique journey.

Whether translating vaccine records rejected by multiple clinics or developing inclusive training for healthcare staff, Makenzie’s work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves healthcare that respects their dignity and cultural identity. Makenzie is particularly proud of expanding the Reach Out and Read program to include books in 16 languages, ensuring every child visiting the clinic for vaccines can access culturally relevant resources.

Her commitment to health equity stems from the conviction that no one should face barriers to healthcare, education, or opportunity due to language, immigration status, or background. She is dedicated to dismantling institutional obstacles and creating systems where zip code, immigration status, or primary language never determine access to health, justice, or opportunity.

To Makenzie, leadership means inspiring collective action. She draws motivation from two quotes: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you,” and Shirley Chisholm’s, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”