Dr. Dretona Maddox, DSW, BSN, RN-PHN, LCSW

Dr. Dretona T. Maddox, DSW, BSN, RN-PHN, LCSW is an esteemed scholar, educator, and nonprofit leader dedicated to advancing health equity and social justice. She serves as an assistant professor of social work at the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS) at California Baptist University, specializing in maternal health, social work education, and nonprofit management. Her work focuses on addressing systemic barriers that impact marginalized populations, particularly pregnant and parenting Black adolescents.

A suicide loss survivor who overcame teenage pregnancy and homelessness, Dr. Maddox has built a career centered on resilience, advocacy, and transformational leadership. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and a Doctor of Social Work from California Baptist University, where her research examined barriers to health equity for pregnant Black teens. Her scholarship continues to focus on Black Adolescent Maternal Health, with a commitment to policy reform, community-based interventions, and sustainable models of care.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Maddox is the founding executive director of Purposely Chosen, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing critical support and advocacy for pregnant and parenting teens in foster care. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded to include two maternity homes in the Inland Empire of Southern California, offering young mothers a safe, stable environment to pursue self-sufficiency. Her expertise in nonprofit management and leadership has been instrumental in securing funding, developing strategic initiatives, and cultivating partnerships that drive impactful change in maternal and child health services.

Dr. Maddox’s work extends beyond the classroom and nonprofit sector into national and international advocacy. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and researcher, presenting on topics such as maternal health disparities, resilience in leadership, and the intersection of trauma and social justice. Her approach integrates rigorous research and lived experience to inspire individuals and organizations to enact meaningful change.

As a speaker, Dr. Maddox emphasizes how pain serves as the blueprint to purpose, resilience, and self-efficacy, equipping individuals with the tools to overcome adversity and lead with impact. Her contributions to academia, nonprofit leadership, and social work practice exemplify her commitment to advancing equity, fostering resilience, and empowering communities. Through her research, advocacy, and leadership, she remains at the forefront of transforming lives and systems for a more just and compassionate society.