A b o u t
Kiara M. Tanta-Quidgeon, MPH (Mohegan) is an early-career, community-engaged public health researcher, writer, and youth advocate committed to centering Indigenous voices in the pursuit of health equity, climate justice, and cultural preservation. 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, born and raised in close connection to her Mohegan kin and culture. She grew up spending each summer at a camp for tribal youth on the Mohegan Reservation, where she began learning about the tribe's history, engaging with Mohegan traditions, and cultivating a strong commitment to giving back to her community and Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.
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 and led the Indigenous Student Union, and she was recognized as the 2020-2021 Multicultural Student Leader of the Year. She graduated Cum Laude with the first-ever 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 and was a 2024 Democracy is Indigenous Organizer (Center for Native American Youth). 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 at Harvard University.
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 and young adults to culturally-grounded healing resources.