Malkia Hutchinson brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications and advocacy to her role as the Director of Media and Communications at NCLR. Within this position, Malkia oversees the implementation of the organization’s strategic long-term and day-to-day communications. With a career dedicated to advancing social justice causes, Malkia has honed her skills in building relationships with diverse stakeholders, crafting values-based communication strategies, and amplifying the voices of historically marginalized communities 

Prior to joining NCLR, Malkia worked with Texas abortion providers, funds, and advocacy organizations at the Texas State Infrastructure Project, a fiscally sponsored program of the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation. Her leadership ensured the Trust Respect Access coalition developed effective communication strategies during challenging times, such as legislative sessions, while fostering collaboration among coalition members and external partners. 

Malkia holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a specialization in Health Policy from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cornell University with a concentration in the Study of Inequality. After college, Malkia served as a Peace Corps volunteer for two years in rural Eswatini focusing on community health education. She is a Heart of Black Leadership Fellow through the Rockwood Institute, volunteers as a Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador, and serves on the Board of Directors for the University of Houston LGBTQ+ Alumni Network as Director of Communications.  

Malkia grew up in Arlington, Texas and has lived in Houston for eleven years. She is the proud mom to a 13-year-old daughter and three dogs who are all Pitbull mixes: Belle (5 years old), Bucky (3 years old), and Blaze (2 years old). Whenever she has free time, Malkia enjoys traveling, reading novels featuring Black female protagonists, studying comedy, and taking improv classes.