Shanika McAllister

Shanika McAllister is a passionate advocate and emerging leader in maternal health policy and healthcare management, committed to improving maternal health outcomes and advancing equity in care delivery across underserved communities.

As a second-year Master of Public Health student with a concentration in Healthcare Management and Policy at San Diego State University, Shanika supports the development, evaluation, and implementation of programs aimed at addressing maternal and reproductive health disparities. Her work focuses on integrating policy strategy, health systems improvement, and culturally responsive care models to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and promote high-quality, person-centered care.

With a longstanding passion for medicine and clinical care, Shanika brings hands-on experience from her role as a medical assistant at Rady Children’s Hospital, where she supported pediatric patient care in a dynamic clinical environment. She has also held roles with SAY San Diego and other nonprofit organizations, contributing to initiatives centered on community engagement, health equity, advocacy, and access to care. In these positions, she has collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient services, improve operational workflows, and advance preventive strategies for vulnerable populations.