Makayla Amaris Levitt

Congressional Fellow

Discipline: Foreign Policy

Makayla grew up with a nomadic spirit, living among a mosaic of cultures, countries, and communities, some that mirrored her own, and others in contrast. A true North American, she was raised between the United States and Canada, living in 10 cities across both countries. Despite her wide-ranging travels, she affectionately calls Houston, Texas; Miami and Orlando, Florida, and the DMV area her stumping grounds. Although, Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois also holds a special place in her heart, as places that have shaped her identity and sense of home. She grew up speaking French, also speaks Spanish, Portuguese. She is colloquially familiar with Wolof and Yiddish and currently studying Korean and Russian. Makayla attended American University, School of International Studies in Washington, D.C. and graduated in 2023 with a BA International Studies and Relations, minor Justice and thematic expertise in East Asia and the Pacific. Further, she graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Department of International Development in London, England and graduated in December 2024 with an MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies.

Makayla remains passionate and steadfast in her commitment to human and civil rights, transitional justice, diplomacy, international law and development, justice for crimes against humanity, conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, conflict stabilization, and Pan-Africanism. She has devoted her life to championing the rights of oppressed communities and advancing the cause of Indigenous populations across the globe; advocating to amplify voices that have long been marginalized. She grew up surrounded by the principles and practices of international law and human rights, and developed an early fluency in diplomacy, equity, human rights, and global unity. She continues the legacy of African American trailblazers, both familial and historic, carving out her own path as a passionate advocate and forward-thinking leader. Her work reflects a dual mission: to continue to represent African American women in global arenas and to open doors for those who will follow, especially in international politics and law.

Her professional journey includes roles at the Stono Institute for Freedom, Justice, and Security (SIJFS), where she served as a Research Analyst Assistant; The Levitt Group, LLC, as an Executive Legal Assistant; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as a Pathways Intern and FOIA Caseworker; the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), as a Student Research Consultant; and the U.S. Department of State (DOS), in the Office of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism under Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt. Makayla loves to travel, cook, knit, crochet, learn new languages and cultures, enjoy water sports, and break bread with friends and colleagues, though she also values rest as part of a balanced life. She is prepared to do the hard work and global engagement necessary to continue to bring African Americans to the forefront of international politics and diplomacy. Through her continued efforts in education, mentorship, scholarship, and activism, she remains committed to shaping a more equitable and accountable global landscape.

She has published numerous articles throughout her academic career, particularly with The BlackPrint, American University’s student-run publication. Her most recognized pieces include “187 or 10-71?: The Survival of a Black Man,” “Tending to Your Garden,” and “Who’s Truly Violent?: The Disproportionate Impact of Natural Disasters on Minority Communities”. Her MSc dissertation from the London School of Economics (LSE), titled Mineral Motives: A Comparative Analysis into Post-Military Coup D’État Natural Resource Management in Guinea and Niger, explored the implications of Western absence and the growing influence of Eastern state powers in post-coup resource governance. Additionally, her BA capstone from American University, The Success of ICJ’s Provisional Measures: Republic of Gambia v. Republic of Myanmar, examined the first instance of an African state filing a case against a Southeast Asian nation at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which analyzed the genocide of Rohingya Muslims, the role of provisional measures, and the precedent it sets for future South-to-South legal action, challenging the traditional South-to-North dynamic in international law.

Makayla plans to pursue both her J.D. and LL.M. degrees. Following her studies, she aims to continue working as a legal advisor for global or governmental institutions, focusing on both legal and humanitarian affairs. Her dedication to international law and human rights fuels her ambition to one day serve in a prominent diplomatic or governmental role.