Kiana Hunter Fights for Justice

“I know I am strong, smart, and beautiful because my parents never failed to ensure those thoughts in my head. I want to be able to give that feeling to others.”

Just months from graduating from San Diego State University, Kiana Hunter has her eyes on the future. A political science major, Hunter is also a research virtual intern for the West African Transitional Justice Center in Nigeria, researching and analyzing articles and books that discuss transitional justice.

The themes of social justice and human rights are important to Hunter, who is applying to attend law school after graduation.

“I want to be able to give people their freedom and show them that they are worth fighting for,” said Hunter. “I feel going to law school, and becoming a lawyer is the best career path for me to use those skills to the full potential. Getting ‘justice for all’ is my main concern.”

The SDSU News Team spoke with Hunter about her journey at SDSU and interest in social justice, human rights, and the law.

Who are the women in history that inspire you?

Claudette Colvin, a civil rights activist in her teenage years, inspires me to fight for what I believe in, no matter your age, race, or gender. Reading about all she has done for her people has taught me how to be a strong woman and that fighting for what you believe is right does take heart and extreme self-confidence. She has given me the confidence I need to go into my career and  fight for the opportunities I deserve.

Who is someone you consider influential in your life?

My parents are both incredibly strong people and were willing to give up so much to ensure their kids lived the best life we could. They show strength every day, no matter what the issue at hand is. They taught me to be patient, kind, loving to others as well as self-loving, and giving. My parents always know how to solve issues and work things out without fighting or getting upset. I couldn’t imagine growing up without having them to watch and learn from, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without them.

What inspired you to make human rights your focal point of your studies?

Human rights and law are very important to me. As a young girl I was always noticing how certain people get treated in society, and I want to ensure that in my future I am able to help all people, no matter who they are or what their background is, because all humans deserve to be treated with love and kindness. I know I am strong, smart, and beautiful because my parents never failed to ensure those thoughts in my head. I want to be able to give that feeling to others.

In what ways has SDSU provided you with the resources to be successful in your academic pursuits and future career?

SDSU has plenty of resources for a majority of future career paths. Throughout my four years here on campus, I have found the academic advisors most important. I usually use my advisor to help plan future classes, ensure I am graduating when I want to, and even to gain work opportunities and internships. They are always willing to help and regularly check in to ensure I am still happy with my choices and future career path.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself as a successful lawyer. I would like to start off my career as a corporate lawyer to first gain my bearings and ensure that I am first able to fight for those who deal with unfit and unfair workplaces. I want to use my skills to help workers gain the opportunities they have worked their whole lives to gain. I am hoping by the end of the 10 years that I have moved deeper into the human rights side of law, have a beautiful family and friends to share my successes with.