Involved in community work since her days at SCA, Qiana says, "I can see so many ties to my work now from my time at St. Catharine's. Volunteering with the principal, Dr. Nap, being in the environmental club-these things helped me want to make a difference. Dr. Nap saw something in me that I didn't even see at that time. He found ways for me to connect to my voice, to speak about the school and speak about my personal experience. I believe I am passing this gift forward in my social justice efforts to other vulnerable community members."
After St. Catharine's she went to Hampton University, becoming the fourth generation on her Mom's side of the family to graduate from a historically black college. Armed with a degree in marketing, she initially believed she was ready to join the corporate world.
She says now working as a consultant "gives me the opportunity to offer leadership to company executives, build innovative projects and engage policy stakeholders. I can spread my wings. So much needs to continue to change in our society. I wanted to switch to a position that would help me push equity, social justice, etc., no matter the sector."
Qiana says she has a reputation for pushing very progressive politics and fostering community leadership. "SCA was an opportunity to find our strength in being a woman in the world. Having a son in my 20s helped me form my choices in my career and engagement. It made me want to be bolder."
Learn more about Qiana in the upcoming issue of Pathways.