DEARBON, Mich.—ACCESS, the largest Arab American nonprofit organization in the U.S., announced today the appointment of Mona Makki as Director of its Community Health and Research Center (CHRC).
Makki previously served in the capacity of Deputy Director of the CHRC, overseeing the operations of more than 50 programs focusing on mental health, public health and the Center’s entire medical division. Throughout her tenure, she has worked to streamline and enhance CHRC services to clients and build a solid network of service providers and caregivers, who are focused on meeting the unique needs of our patients and clientele.
Makki began her long, distinguished career as a victims advocate at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office. A valued ACCESS leader since 2005, she was promoted to supervisor of the Victims of Crime Program in 2007 and became the Mental Health Program manager in 2012. Her solid and dedicated leadership over the years has contributed to the growth of numerous programs within the CHRC.
An impassioned proponent of rights for underserved members of the community, Makki has fearlessly advocated against crime and domestic violence for over a decade. Throughout her career at ACCESS, she has committed herself to improving and empowering the lives of individuals and families who suffer from domestic abuse and behavioral health issues. She has worked tirelessly to collaborate with judges, faith leaders, schools and police departments in the fight against such abuse.
“Mona brings passion, knowledge and dedication to this position. She has a proven track record of delivering excellent results and an unwavering commitment to underserved communities. We are excited to have Mona step into this vital role, and we are confident that, under her leadership, she will continue her commitment to excellence and the further advancement of the Center’s programs and services,” said ACCESS Executive Director Hassan Jaber.
In addition to her work at ACCESS, Makki serves on a multitude of community boards, including her most recent appointments to the Greater Detroit Area Health Council’s board and the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Institutional Review Board. She is also a member of the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and has served as a member of the Arab American Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Wayne County Council Against Family Violence. Additionally, she has served on various consumer coalition panels and community resource committees.
Makki received her masters in clinical psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2004 and has been a member of the American Psychological Association since 2006. She has conducted research, in collaboration with local universities, on topics including cardiac arrest and trauma and loss among Arab American, American Indian and Alaskan Native youth.
About ACCESS
Grounded in a grassroots commitment to serving our community, ACCESS has a 44-year history of providing health, education, employment and social services. An Arab American nonprofit of excellence, ACCESS empowers communities in Southeast Michigan to improve their economic, social and cultural well-being and extends this mission nationally through advocacy, arts, culture and philanthropy.