The Her Campus Miami (OH) team is excited to announce that its very own social media coordinator, Kiaya White has been nominated for Miami’s 2013 Homecoming Court! To promote this amazing honor and learn more about Kiaya’s accomplishments, HC Miami spent some time talking with Kiaya. With her contagiously enthusiastic personality and her long resume of successes on campus, it’s no wonder she was nominated for Homecoming Court and is this week’s Campus Celebrity!
HC: Can you tell us a little background on yourself?
Kiaya: I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio! I am a senior studying mass communications with a minor in community-based leadership!
HC: What is your involvement like on campus?
Kiaya: This is my third year as a resident assistant and I am ending my final year as an RA in Tappan Hall! I am the social media manger for Her Campus. I am the public relations chair for The Crucible. I am the co-president for The F-Word (Feminist Working on Real Democracy). I am also a Freedom Summer Tour Guide and the summer of 2012 I was a SOUL (Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader).
HC: The F Word sounds interesting! Can you tell us a bit more about the organization and what your role entails?
Kiaya: With being part of The F-Word we do a lot of work with social justice and activism. We raise awareness on a range of topics such as rape and sexual assault, equal pay, reproductive justice and consent. We plan programs such as Take Back the Night, which is happening October 23rd, Vagina Monologues and Condom Carnival. We do poster campaigns to raise awareness. We also hold general body meetings (every Tuesday @6pm in the Office of Diversity Affairs) that discusses the issues above and so much more.
HC: Why did you want to get involved with Her Campus, and what do you love about being part of the publication?
Kiaya: I first got involved with Her Campus as a writer. I just loved the idea of an online publication catered to college women readers. I also liked the fact that I had creative range to write what interests me. The opportunity to become the social media manger came about and I thought that was the perfect position for me. I am able to better my leadership skills, and to also do something I love/enjoy, which is social media.
HC: What are your career goals following graduation?
Kiaya: While I don’t have a clear plan for what is happening after graduation, I have narrowed down to either doing Teach For America or graduate school for Student Affairs and Higher education.
HC: Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?
Kiaya: 5-10 years from now I see myself working in Student Affairs and Higher Education. If the cards are all in place I would love to be the assistant director of a Women’s Center and continue my activism work for equality.
HC: How did you feel about being nominated for Homecoming Court this year?
Kiaya: I thought it was an extreme honor to be nominated! It was very humbling to know that people think I am deserving of such an amazing title.
HC: Any advice to our young readers at home?
Kiaya: Have fun and live in the moment! Enjoy the things life brings you. Rather it is late night runs at McDonalds with your best friends, or Football games. Savor each moment because life is so short!
The first round of voting for Miami’s 2013 Homecoming Court is now open, and will remain open until 1pm on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Just visit The Hub, and make sure Kiaya White is the first nominee you select for this year’s Homecoming Court!