Khalia has dedicated her professional career to ensuring there is a proper process for individuals to have a voice in community programming, are engaged in the planning and development processes, and explores ways to cultivate safe, inclusive spaces for residents to share how their mental health is impacted by their environment.

Khalia’s focus on community engagement has led her to work with developers, researchers, and community members. Her mission is to provide education and practical experiences to these individuals through placemaking initiatives and creative engagement methods. Through her work, Khalia is motivated to close the gap between residents and decision makers who are directly responsible for shaping their neighborhoods, while also bringing awareness to the correlation of mental health preservation and urban planning.