Dawn Brown is the Director of the Cross-Cultural Innovation and Engagement (CCIE) department at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), operating under the Office of Innovation. She leads a dynamic, diverse team committed to destigmatizing mental health in minoritized and faith communities, as well as across colleges and universities. Her work spans the agency and NAMI’s 650+ affiliates across 49 states.

A passionate mental health advocate, national DEIB trainer, and international speaker, Dawn is on a mission to speak up for individuals and families silenced by stigma, lack of empathy, and limited access to care. She is driven by a vision of equity where workplaces, faith institutions, and communities are mental health–friendly and stigma-free.

Dawn brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work as the family member of a loved one with serious mental illness. This personal connection fuels her commitment to creating culturally responsive and inclusive spaces where mental health is prioritized, understood, and supported.

With a focus on innovation, Dawn develops and implements strategies that embed mental health awareness into daily life. Her leadership centers on reaching vulnerable populations and building cross-sector partnerships to advance mental health equity across industries.

Whether engaging in national discussions, local community forums, townhalls, or global presentations, Dawn champions the voices of those too often left out of the conversation—and works to ensure they are not only heard but valued.