Kamelya Hinson is a communications strategist, nonprofit leader, and legacy builder with over 25 years of experience across public health, nonprofit, political, and sports arenas. A former Senior Health Communication Specialist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), she spent more than 16 years supporting national campaigns and guiding communications during major emergencies—including Ebola, Zika, hurricanes, COVID-19, and more—helping craft messages that reached millions, influenced behavior, and saved lives.

At CDC, she trained hundreds of federal, state, and local responders in crisis and risk communication, coached new communicators in plain language, and helped establish agency-wide standards as a member of the CDC Style Guide Workgroup. Her leadership not only built confidence in high-stakes moments but also improved the way public health information is delivered nationwide.

Beyond public health, Kamelya is the founder and executive director of the Ancestors Dream Initiative, a nonprofit supporting Black student engagement at the University of Florida in response to DEI defunding. Under her leadership, ADI has mobilized alumni, secured donor support, and created a framework to help preserve cultural traditions and safe spaces for generations to come.

A proud graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, she has dedicated over a decade of service to the UF Alumni Association. She served as president of the Atlanta Gator Club, where she was honored as National Leader of the Year, and continues to mentor up-and-coming alumni leaders. Today, she serves as amember-at-large on the UF Black Alumni National Board, helping drive initiatives that strengthen alumni engagement, raise scholarship support, and expand professional opportunities for students and graduates alike.