Waunita Scott is an unapologetic maverick, a connector of people, and a social entrepreneur who believes deeply in the power of home, humanity, and second chances. With over 25 years of experience spanning human services, public education, and healthcare, she has spent her career working with justice-impacted individuals in both community settings and correctional facilities. No matter the space, Waunita leads with compassion, clarity, and a firm belief that dignity should never be negotiable.

As the founder and CEO of Mavrik Village, she has created affordable reentry housing rooted in a simple but powerful philosophy: giving chances, one bed at a time. Her own story shapes her work—her mother’s incarceration and her own justice involvement during her youth—which fuels her commitment to showing up with authenticity, empathy, and unwavering respect.

Waunita is known for bringing people together and moving ideas from conversation to action. She serves on several boards and task forces, including the Baltimore City Re-Entry Action Council, the Volunteers of America Residential Re-Entry Center Community Relations Advisory Board, and the Governor’s Task Force on the Creation of a Division of Reentry and Expanded Reentry Services. Her leadership approach is grounded in service, collaboration, and a deep desire to shift what’s possible for returning citizens.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in educational technology from New Jersey City University; an associate’s degree in culinary arts with magna cum laude honors from Hudson County Community College; and she proudly graduated as valedictorian of her nursing school class.

When she isn’t working, Waunita is happiest surrounded by family and friends, sharing good conversation, traveling, catching live concerts or comedy shows, and savoring unforgettable food experiences that feed both body and soul. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a service sorority.