Malyika Follins

MPA Fellows, Class of 2027

Fiscal Administrative Officer, CT Department of Transportation

Malyika Follins is a Fiscal Administrative Officer with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, where she manages transportation contracts and agreements that support the agency’s infrastructure and operational goals. Her career spans federal, private, and nonprofit sectors, including roles with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as a Lead Advanced Medical Support Assistant, Hartford Healthcare at Home as a Physicians Referral Administrator, and in insurance and finance with CIGNA and Aetna Better Health.

Throughout her career, Malyika has applied root cause analysis and Six Sigma principles to improve operational efficiency and service delivery. As a team leader, she has implemented growth and development training programs to foster an environment of career advancement and upward mobility for her staff, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive leadership and workforce empowerment.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Charter Oak State College and is deeply engaged in civic and community initiatives. Malyika has served on the School Governance Council, participated in grant review panels for the City of Hartford, and is an active participant of her neighborhood’s NRZ (Neighborhood Revitalization Zone), working to advance resident-led community development. She also serves on the CTDOT Diversity Council and the CTDOT Employee Engagement Committee, promoting inclusive practices, equity, and a culture of collaboration across the department.

Through the MPA Fellows, Malyika looks forward to deepening her understanding of public policy and expanding her leadership capacity to drive systemic change and create more inclusive, responsive institutions.