Meet Kiona Johnson, an EACS alumna from the Class of 2021! After graduating from EACS, Kiona completed a B.S. in Business Economics with a minor in Public Policy at Bentley University. She plans to continue her academic journey this fall at the University of Chicago, where she will pursue a Master’s in Public Policy.
During her years at Bentley University, Kiona was deeply involved both on and off campus, balancing academic excellence with leadership and service. She served as Vice President of the Black United Body, a board member of the Green Revolving Fund, Social Justice Coordinator at the Office of Sustainability, and more. She had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, where she began learning Italian and adapted to a brand-new culture. She also served as the Lead Fundraising Committee Member for Dresses to Dreams, a nonprofit offering a cost-free prom dress experience for Boston-area students, where she led vendor partnerships and virtual giving campaigns. 
“These experiences have shaped my values, leadership, and global perspective.”
Reflecting on how her time at Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS) shaped her journey, Kiona shared: “My time at EACS prepared me by instilling a strong foundation in leadership, critical thinking, and community service. The supportive environment at EACS encouraged me to challenge myself academically while also staying grounded in service and identity. Whether through student-led initiatives or classroom discussions, I learned the value of using my voice and showing up for my community, which are skills that have carried into my work in public policy, sustainability, and social justice at Bentley University. EACS taught me to navigate environments with resilience and purpose, which has helped me thrive in college, study abroad in Italy, and take on leadership roles both on and off campus. It gave me the confidence to dream big, advocate for equity, and embrace every opportunity with intention.”
Drawing from her own experiences post-high school, Kiona has already gained valuable insight to share with students who are making plans for their future: “Dream big and push yourself beyond what feels familiar. Don’t limit your search for opportunities to just the Philadelphia area, as there are programs, internships, and experiences across the country and abroad that are not only fully funded but are specifically designed for students who look like you. These opportunities exist! You just have to seek them out and believe you’re worthy of them. Also, never be afraid to advocate for yourself, whether that be socially, academically, or professionally. Speak up when you need support, ask questions, and don’t shrink yourself in spaces where you deserve to be. The confidence to stand up for yourself will carry you far. You belong in every room you step into, so take up space, own your story, and know that your voice matters.”