From Pre-School to Promise Academy to Syracuse University: Kiara Molina’s HCZ Journey

Prior to introducing President Barack Obama at the White House in 2014, Kiara Molina had wanted to be a veterinarian. But as she stood at the White House podium, taking in the majestic surrounds of this iconic American institution, she had a change of heart.

“Now I’m thinking, maybe I’ll be a lawyer, because I love ‘Law and Order,’” she said, joining her fellow Promise Academy scholars, teachers, and HCZ leaders, including HCZ CEO Kwame Owusu-Kesse, at the event celebrating President Obama’s Promise Zones initiative. “But no matter what career I pursue, I am going to college.”

Though her quip got a laugh from the president, Kiara was serious her plans for college: After graduating from Promise Academy, she went on to attend and earn her B.S. in Public Relations  from the prestigious Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

Shining Example of our Model

Kiara is proof that when you connect young people with resources and opportunities, they can reach their full potential.

She started her HCZ journey in our Harlem Gems pre-K program; then enrolled in our top-peforming Promise Academy Charter Schools; and then became a participant of our College Success Office.

From Cradle to College to Career

From Promise Academy to Syracuse University, Kiara Molina is living proof of the power of our model and the potential of our young people.

Now, Kiara — who recently landed a role at Viacom CBS — hopes to give back to the next generation of scholars so that they can achieve the same success.

“Seeing the impact HCZ has had on me is motivation to help out other kids who look like me get to the places I’ve been,” she said. “I’m forever grateful to HCZ.”