Daphne C. Watkins, PhD, EMBA, holds multiple appointments at the University of Michigan, such as the Letha A. Chadiha Collegiate Professor of Social Work, University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor, and Faculty Associate at the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute for Social Research. For more than 20 years, she has studied behavioral health interventions for historically marginalized groups and mixed methods approaches to research in context. Her previous research has focused on developing evidence-based strategies to improve the physical and mental health of underrepresented groups at the intersection of age, culture, and gender. Dr. Watkins has held multiple leadership positions, both domestically and internationally, across several social impact, philanthropic, and academic organizations. Her influence extends beyond the United States, as she has garnered an international reputation in gender and health, mixed methods research, and leadership and management worldwide.

Dr. Watkins teaches graduate-level classes in mixed methods research, social impact leadership, and organizational governance. Dr. Watkins’ reputation as a thought leader is evidenced by her selection as a recipient of the 2024 Pynn-Silverman Lifetime Achievement Award from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association; the 2024 and 2025 editions of the Top 2% of Scientists Worldwide; the 2019 Thought Leadership Award from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and the 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award from Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development. Her unique ability to bridge academic rigor with practical leadership solutions has established her as a sought-after advisor for organizations seeking evidence-based approaches to equity initiatives, social impact, and leadership development. Dr. Watkins holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and an Executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology. She is a certified executive coach and has a Distinguished Leader Executive Certificate from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.