Mariah Jameson

Background

About Mariah Jameson

Mariah Jameson is a community activist, scholar, and proud mother of two, whose life’s work is rooted in advocating for social justice and supporting former foster youth. A Southeast San Diego native and graduate of Lincoln High School, Mariah’s passion for service and advocacy began early in her life. She co-founded NUBIA, an all-women-led grassroots organization that provides essential resources to the unhoused community, raises awareness about unmet needs, and organizes vital community drives. In 2016, NUBIA was honored with the Community Activist of the Year award by the Blue Heart Foundation for its impactful work. A former foster youth herself, Mariah was awarded the Blue Heart Foundation’s Guardian Scholar Award in 2018, recognizing her as an advocate for foster youth and a role model in her community. The Foundation renamed the award the Mariah Jameson Scholarship in 2019 in her honor. As a first-generation college graduate, Mariah attended San Diego City College, where she served as UMOJA Club President for three years before transferring to Clark Atlanta University. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, focusing on mental health. Mariah's commitment to social justice extended to her role as a published author during the pandemic, contributing a personal essay to Reclaiming Our Stories 2, a community-driven book reflecting on her experience entering foster care. Her professional work has also included research on the intersection of culture and wellness, particularly through her position at Rise Research and Evaluation, an organization that affirms social justice and promotes well-being. In 2023, Mariah was selected as the keynote speaker for San Diego City College’s Social Justice Conference and received the Silver Legacy Award from the Affect the Youth Foundation for her continued service to the community. Recently elected as a Trustee for District D on the San Diego Community College Board of Trustees, Mariah is committed to ensuring that all students, especially those from marginalized communities, have access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. She also serves as a Community Engagement Representative and Policy Associate for San Diego County Board Supervisor Monica Montgomery-Steppe, where she continues to advocate for policy changes that promote social equity.