Name: Mapillar Dahn-Flemister

Position: Founder & CEO for the MTS Sickle Cell Foundation

Bio: Mapillar Dahn-Flemister’s career is a testament to the power of lived experience, community-rooted strategy, and relentless advocacy. Her vision is bold, her leadership is transformative, and her impact—both at home and abroad—is paving the way for a more just and patient-centered future.

Why I’m passionate about patient engagement: “This award is deeply meaningful to me because it honors the very heart of my life’s work—ensuring that patients, especially those from historically underserved communities, are seen, heard, and supported in every space that impacts their care and future. As a mother of three daughters living with sickle cell disease, my advocacy is both personal and purposeful. Patient engagement isn’t a strategy for me—it’s a commitment to transforming pain into progress. This recognition affirms that our efforts—from reshaping clinical trial access, to helping launch global newborn screening programs, to securing policy wins and wraparound support for families—are creating lasting change. It’s a profound reminder that when we center patients, we build a healthcare system that is more just, more human, and more effective.”