By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Kyla Marks, a fourth-year dental student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, was crowned Miss Meharry in April 2025, becoming the first student from Washington state to earn the title.
A graduate of Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, Marks said the recognition reflects more than just an achievement. For her, it represents growth, resilience and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone.
Moving from the Pacific Northwest to attend Meharry Medical College, where she is completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, marked a significant leap of faith. The experience challenged her to leave behind what was familiar while pursuing her passion for serving communities and growing as a future dentist.
“Holding this title reminds me that sometimes the greatest opportunities come when you’re willing to take that leap,” said Marks. “Growing up in Washington state, I was often one of the only African Americans in my classes and many times the only Black girl. That experience taught me resilience, confidence and the importance of showing up authentically even when you feel different. It also shaped my passion for representation because I understand how powerful it can be for someone to see themselves reflected in leadership and in healthcare.”
Marks, who previously ran for Miss School of Dentistry during her sophomore year and did not win, said being crowned Miss Meharry in 2025 reminded her of the growth that can come from stepping outside of her comfort zone.
“Believe it or not, I struggle with social anxiety, so putting myself out there in such a visible role felt intimidating, especially after experiencing a loss,” said Marks. “Being crowned Miss Meharry was truly an honor. It means so much to me because it allows me to continue the legacy of strong leaders who have represented this institution with pride.”
During her time at MMC, Marks has been actively involved in initiatives that strengthen community ties, including collaborative service projects such as Oral Health Day, which provides free dental care to individuals across Nashville, Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas, helping reduce barriers to oral health care.
Serving underserved communities has been especially meaningful to Marks and has allowed her to build trust with patients who may have had negative experiences in the past.
“Oftentimes, [patients come in] and they have neglected their teeth because they had an encounter with a provider that was not the best, or maybe they did not have access to health care. So, I take the time to understand them and honestly sometimes they just need someone to talk to,” said Marks. “It’s amazing to see how a simple 5-10 min conversation can take a patient from being anxious, nervous and scared to someone who is calm, relaxed and hopeful for what is to come.”
“By the time we are finished completing their treatment, patients are hugging me and saying this is the first time I have had a positive experience at the dentist in years,” Marks continued. “I think that’s the most rewarding part because I am just starting my dental career, and to have that much of an impact right now truly makes it all worth it.”
Marks’ approach to patient care has also left a strong impression on those who know her best.
“I was her first patient as a dental student, and I think that is when it really clicked with me on how much [she cares for others],” said her mother, Trinity Chandler. “She is the gentlest dentist I have been to, and I am not just saying that because I am her mother, and now whenever people compliment her she tells them that she just treats every patient like she would care for her mother.”
“I learned that she creates different playlists for her patients, which I haven’t ever seen before,” Chandler added. “I think that she is certainly doing what she’s called to do, and now she is a doctor at 25, so we are very proud parents on so many levels.”
In addition to her clinical work, Marks created the “White Coat Experience,” an initiative designed to inspire young students to pursue careers in health care. The program allows students to try on a white coat and take photos, helping them envision themselves in professional roles.
The idea stems from a moment nearly a decade ago, when Marks attended a college fair at the University of Washington and was invited to take a photo wearing a white coat and a stethoscope.
“At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but my parents kept that photo on our refrigerator. I packed that photo with me when I left for college, and although it stayed tucked away for several years, it symbolized something bigger,” said Marks. “Throughout my undergraduate journey, I explored several career paths, including pre-med, pre-PA and eventually pre-dental, but that photo continued to represent the idea of not giving up on the dream of one day earning my own white coat.”
Giving back and helping others has always been a core value in Marks’ family. As she approaches her graduation in May, Chandler hopes her daughter will continue serving others and stay true to her sense of purpose.
“I want to see her living in her purpose with whatever she is called to do, and which for her is to give back and serve others, and I think she has done that for eight years straight with literally no break,” said Chandler. “She really wants to give back to those who gave to her. Giving is just a big part of our family. In 2020, we started our own family scholarship, and we give two different scholarships for students who are pursuing education.”
Marks credits her family, especially her mother, for shaping her path and supporting her along the way.
“My family [and friends] have played a tremendous role in my success, and I credit so much of who I am today to my mother. For a long time growing up, she was a single parent. Despite that, she always made sure I stayed active and engaged, whether it was sports, summer camps or after-school programs. Her unwavering support made me believe that I was capable of becoming anything I wanted to be,” said Marks. “My stepdad came into my life when I was in middle school. I always joke that he’s the more relaxed parent, but he’s also the one who will push me when he thinks I’m capable of more. Without both of them, I would not be the woman I am today.”
“My grandmother also played a huge role in my life and is one of the main reasons I ultimately chose dentistry. No matter how tired, stressed or overwhelmed I felt because of an upcoming exam, she always managed to ground me. She was truly a prayer warrior,” Marks continued. “Before her passing, I had gone through several career changes. But after losing her, I had what I like to call my ‘coming to Jesus moment.’ I realized that the pre-med and pre-PA paths were not truly for me.”
Marks said being part of Meharry Medical College’s legacy continues to inspire her as she prepares to enter the field.
“It is also meaningful to recognize the role that Meharry plays in addressing disparities in health care representation. Today, approximately 3.8% of dentists in the United States are African American, and nearly 40% of those dentists were trained at Meharry,” said Marks. “Being part of that mission and knowing that I will soon contribute to those numbers is something that I am very proud of.”
“Equally rewarding has been the relationships I’ve built along the way. The people I met here started out as classmates, but over time they’ve truly become family,” added Marks.
