Alumnae

Kiana Leon

‘95 Alum Brings Maryite Spirit of Giving to Atlanta

After Kiana Leon, ‘95, graduated from Dillard University with a BA in Accounting, she landed a job as an Internal Auditor with Bank of America in Dallas, TX.

A short time later, she accepted a position reporting directly to the Vice President of Audit at Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

Although her career keeps her quite busy, Kiana, in true Maryite fashion, finds time to give back to her new community of Atlanta, GA.

She is currently a member of The Community Involvement Committee, which disburses funds to non-profit organizations. They also plan all of the volunteer efforts in the community in which her bank is a participant. She has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) which is committed to finding a cure for Huntington’s Disease while providing education and services to those affected by the disease and their families. She is also active in Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, and she serves on the Logistics Committees for both the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, and the League of Women Voters.

WHEW!!!

Of all her charitable works, Kiana’s most passionate in her role as big sister to a pre-teen who suffers from a skin disease and hypertension. Kiana’s primary focus is to expose her little sister to as many culturally-enriching activities as possible. As such, they regularly attend the ballet, library, the park or the movies.

Kiana also makes herself available to assist her little sister with homework. Viewing her role as being more than just a playmate, Kiana has taken an active role in teaching her little sister some of life’s basic necessities. “We also practice basic table manner, and I’ve taught her how to take care of her hair, and other basic hygienic functions.” Said Kiana.

When asked what motivates her, Kiana replied, “The world is a needy place, and I am very passionate about helping others in any way that I can.”

It is in fact her strong sense of compassion for others that makes it quite difficult for Kiana to say no to the many requests she regularly receives from community-based organizations seeking assistance.

“I feel it is our duty as God’s children to give of ourselves to those less fortunate.”

It was no surprise to Kiana’s mom, Angela Degruy Leon, ‘73, that Kiana would seek out community service organizations upon her arrival in Atlanta, particularly one involving children.

“Kiana has always had a soft spot for children, which is characteristic of our family. My mom, my sister, Jocelyn, ‘71, and Kiana’s sister, April, ‘00, all share a deep love of all children.”

On top of the activities she’s involved in after-hours, Kiana has recently begun soliciting sample-sized toiletries from co-workers, which she distributes to area women’s shelters.

“This is something that is so simple—every workplace can adopt this project. Just set up a place in the office where employees can drop off the toiletries. When the container is full, simply drop it off.”

If we all took Kiana’s “it’s simple” approach to volunteerism, the world would be a much better place.

“I don’t view any of my volunteerism as special or stellar. I do what I do with my organizations because somebody’s got to, right?”

Right!

So, what does the future hold for Kiana Leona, volunteer extraordinaire?

“Well, my long-term goal is to develop my own non-profit agency.”

We’ve no doubt that the agency run by Kiana Leon will accomplish many great things!