Bison Trailblazers | Nailah Simone Dillard

by Anna De Cheke Qualls

PhD student Nailah Simone Dillard anxiously awaits a decision from the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Health Policy Research Scholars Program. With a focus on forensic psychology, she hopes to use the funds to advance her research on health advocacy and criminal justice reform. 

Hailing from Sacramento, California, Dillard was raised by two very strong servant-leader parents. In their own fields both still lead organizations, engage in advocacy and create transformative changes. Sports was also encouraged. Dillard grew up playing basketball – taking it all the way to Division 1 at Texas Tech University, and later University of Nebraska–Lincoln. 

An athletic career fraught with multiple injuries, surgeries and an autoimmune disorder, Dillard learned early the impact psychology can play in a person’s life. She carried what she calls “invisible pain in high-performing spaces.” Knowing the rarity of mental health providers who understand identity, trauma and resilience, Dillard set her sights on becoming a psychologist who serves historically underserved and misunderstood communities.  

“Far too often, the stories of Black youth are misrepresented, their trauma dismissed, and their behaviors criminalized. My goal is to serve as an expert witness and clinician, someone who helps individuals tell their full stories within a system that often denies them that right. My work aims to reframe crime as a public health issue, not a personal failing, so we can provide the resources and interventions needed to truly support and uplift those most impacted. This path allows me to merge advocacy and clinical psychology in pursuit of justice, healing, and lasting change,” says Dillard. 

Howard University became part this journey when Dillard decided it was time to attend an HBCU for her doctoral degree. The Clinical Psychology Department’s family atmosphere, and strong mentoring was a departure from her former academic experiences. For the first time, Dillard “felt seen and poured into.” Her advisor, Dr. Terri Dilmore, set an amazing academic example for her, as well.  

“The faculty at Howard have played a profound role in shaping me as a scholar and future clinician. Each professor has left me with wisdom that extends beyond the classroom, teaching me how to think critically, ethically, and compassionately. I carry their teachings with me everywhere I go, and they continue to influence the lens through which I approach my work,” observes Dillard. 

Then there were also her peers. Having their support has also been essential to Dillard’s success. 

“The demands of a Ph.D. program weren’t just about time, they were about presence, depth, and intellectual stamina. I quickly learned that you don’t just “fit in” doctoral-level research between appointments; it consumes you, challenges you, and asks you to think critically in ways you didn’t even know,” observes Dillard. “What helped me find my footing was my cohort, a brilliant, driven, and incredibly passionate group of scholars who understood the weight of the journey because they were carrying it, too. We supported one another, pushed each other to be better, and created a space where collaboration replaced competition.” 

Dillard is well-aware that scholarship and knowledge comes with responsibilities. It provides agency to become a changemaker.  

“Find a rhythm that honors both your goals and your well-being. You deserve to look back on these years proud of the work you’ve done, and fulfilled by the life you lived while doing it. So be bold about making connections, be honest with yourself about what you need, and get creative with how you manage your time, because this journey is as much about who you become as it is about what you achieve,” says Dillard. 

Dillard’s research hopes to impact how society understands and responds to the behaviors of marginalized youth, particularly Black youth who have been overexposed to systemic inequity and underexposed to care. By challenging deficit-based models and advocating for risk assessments and interventions that account for structural violence, cultural context, and psychological trauma, Dillard aims to shift the conversation from punishment to prevention, early intervention, and healing.  

If a recipient, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation award will support this work by providing the resources, mentorship, and a platform to further expand its reach. The Health Policy Research Scholars Program would also connect Dillard to a network of changemakers equally committed to equity and social transformation, while giving her the space to refine both the academic and practical application of her work.  

“I am hoping that through RWJF’s possible funding source, I will be better equipped to not only produce impactful research, but translate it into policy recommendations, community-based programming, and advocacy efforts that center the lived realities of those most affected,” says Dillard. 

Dillard ‘s application to RWJF isn’t her first and won’t be her last. She has a long track-record of applying for funding and participating in internships. As an undergraduate, she worked at HopeSpoke Group Home, where she shadowed clinical psychologists working with justice-involved youth who were both victims and perpetrators of sexual violence.  

“It was there that I first witnessed the deep psychological complexity behind behaviors often labeled as “criminal.” That experience helped me see the critical need for trauma-informed care within the justice system and solidified my desire to bridge psychology with criminal justice reform,” recalls Dillard. 

Currently, Dillard is involved in three externships that continue to expand her clinical insights. At Warner Psychology Associates, a Black woman-owned private practice Dillard works closely with student-athletes at the University of Maryland. Dillard accompanies her advisor (Dr. Terri Dilmore) to the District of Columbia’s Department of Corrections, where she can observe forensic work. Lastly, at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Pediatric Psychology externship, Dillard is gaining hands-on experience in administering and interpreting psychological assessments for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. 

“These experiences have required skills that go far beyond textbooks, empathy, cultural humility, adaptability, and the ability to build rapport with vulnerable and often underserved populations. I’ve acquired these skills by being fully present in each setting, asking questions, watching closely, and remaining open to feedback,” remarks Dillard. 

Longterm, Dillard is on a personal mission – for her, work is a God-given vocation. In the footsteps of her parents and mentors, she intends to engage in advocacy, social justice and criminal justice reform - within or outside of academia.  

"I aim to become a clinician who doesn’t just treat symptoms, but who builds deep, trusting relationships with clients, someone who sees the whole person and walks with them through their healing. I want every client I work with to feel heard, affirmed, and empowered in a system that often denies them that basic humanity,” says Dillard. “Ultimately, I see my career unfolding at the intersection of direct service, research, and policy. Academia offers a powerful platform for thought leadership and mentorship, and I would be honored to contribute in that space. But I’m also passionate about being in communities, shaping programs, informing legislation, and making mental health services more accessible and culturally responsive.” 

Dillard also desires to lead with purpose not just position.  

“Titles and roles may shift over time, but having clarity about why you're doing the work will keep you grounded and motivated through every challenge. Get clear on what fuels you, whether it’s advocacy, healing, research, or systemic change, and let that guide your journey. And remember, never be the one to tell yourself ‘no’ to an opportunity. There will always be gatekeepers in this world, don’t let one of them be you. Apply. Ask. Show up. You belong in every room your purpose calls you into,” she says. “Prioritize building real relationships along the way. The mentors, peers, and community members who have supported me have been just as critical as any academic training. Seek out people who see you, value you, and challenge you to grow. And finally, give yourself grace. You’re not expected to have it all figured out at once. What matters most is staying connected to your passion, being open to evolving, and trusting that your perspective and lived experience are not only valid, they are necessary.”