Charity S. Watkins, MSW, Ph.D. is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at North Carolina Central University and a Duke-NCCU BIRCWH Scholar. She holds a B.A. in Sociology, an M.S.W., and a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Inspired by her personal journey with peripartum cardiomyopathy, Dr. Watkins’ research focuses on addressing racial inequities in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiac-related severe maternal morbidity. Her work emphasizes the creation of critical social support systems for Black women following life-threatening maternal health conditions.

Dr. Watkins’ research highlights the importance of integrating personal experience, community-driven solutions, and interprofessional collaboration. She serves as an expert consultant and advisor on several national, grant-funded research projects, working to advocate for heart health policies for women. As a WomenHeart Champion with the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, she is a passionate advocate for women’s heart health.

Beyond academia, Dr. Watkins leads efforts to improve maternal and infant health outcomes through her role as Chair of the Board of Directors for Equity Before Birth, a Durham-based nonprofit addressing gaps in access to essential maternal and infant care resources.