Kiana was raised in Mississippi and Alabama, where she faced numerous challenges, including growing up with a parent who struggled with a mental health condition. Kiana remained focused on her education, and school quickly becoming her safe space. The support of key individuals—guidance counselors and teachers—helped her navigate her challenges and flourish despite the odds. She was selected for the prestigious Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) Scholars Program, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people overcome adversity and succeed at selective colleges. This experience, along with earning the Gates Millennium Scholarship, led her to Barnard College in New York City, where she earned her degree in psychology.

Kiana has worked with various nonprofits and organizations committed to mental health promotion. She is an experienced speaker who has led more than 250+ engagements, providing communities with the tools, support, and strategies they need to flourish. She is exceptionally skilled in content related to adversity, resilience, workplace mental health, and mental health education for non-mental health professionals. Kiana holds a Master’s in Public Health from Emory University, specializing in behavioral, social, and health education sciences. She also has been a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES ®) credential since 2021.