A b o u t
Kiara M. Tanta-Quidgeon, MPH is an early-career, community-engaged researcher, writer, and youth advocate who champions health equity and cultural preservation in her work.
Read more about Kiara's background below.
Photo taken by Sukhmani Kaur
Photo by Sukhmani Kaur
Kiara's Story
Kiara Marie Tanta-Quidgeon (she/her/hers) is an enrolled member of the Mohegan Tribe who was born and raised closely connected to her Mohegan kin, community, and traditions. She grew up spending each of her summers on the Mohegan Reservation at a camp for tribal youth, where she began learning about the history of the tribe, engaging with Mohegan culture, and cultivating a strong commitment to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples.
Education
2014-2018
Norwich Free Academy
High School
Kiara graduated from Norwich Free Academy (NFA) as a member of the National Honor Society and the recipient of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Norwich Award, a scholarship established to recognize a member of NFA’s senior class who embraces diversity and promotes acceptance of all differences and tolerances.
2018-2022
Quinnipiac University
BSc in Health Science Studies
Kiara studied in Quinnipiac University's (QU) School of Health Sciences as a recipient of the Dean's Scholarship. During her time at QU, she established the Indigenous Student Union and was recognized as the 2020-2021 Multicultural Student Leader of the Year. She graduated Cum Laude with the first university-approved Independent Minor in Indigenous Cultures/Diversity Studies.
2022-2024
Columbia University
MPH in Sociomedical Science
Kiara studied in the Department of Sociomedical Sciences at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health (CUMSPH) as the recipient of the Community Scholars Institutional Fellowship. During her time at CUMSPH, she completed a Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA, also earning a Certificate in Social Determinants of Health.
In the past, Kiara served as the Vice Chairwoman of the Mohegan Tribal Youth Council, completed the Mohegan Tribe/Tufts University Archaeological Field School, and was a 2024 Democracy is Indigenous Organizer. During the Biden-Harris Administration, she was invited to represent Indigenous Youth at the 2024 White House Tribal Youth Forum and the national Tribal Nations Summit. As the Founder and former President of the QU Indigenous Student Union, Kiara currently serves as an Alumni Advisor and Powwow Coordinator for the organization. She is also a Research Collaborator with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health and a Research Assistant with a team of Harvard University-based scholars.
Sunrise Healing Community Inc.
In 2024, Kiara was honored with the United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) 25 Under 25 Leadership Award with a platform to foster healing through cultural connectedness. To build upon and amplify her platform, she established the Sunrise Healing Community Inc., a non-profit organization that connects Indigenous youth to culturally-grounded healing resources and practical strategies for cultural engagement.