Kiara Santiago's Biography

Photo by Karin Valdez

A native Bronxite, Kiara Santiago is pursuing her Master in Public Affairs with a concentration in urban development and sustainability at the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College. Her current area of study is exploring environmental racism, which manifests in disproportionately high rates of air pollution due to heavy transportation, past land use decisions, poor urban planning projects and lack of engagement with local community members. She is interested in addressing issues related to economic mobility, zoning, land use, civic engagement and transportation.

Kiara earned her B.A. in sociology from Brooklyn College. She currently works as an economic stability specialist for the City-based, not-for-profit, Sanctuary for Families, assiting with economic/career development for survivors of intimate partner violence. 

Kiara became a 2021-2022 Community Board 11 Planning Fellow through the Fund for the City of New York and is inspired to give back to the community she grew up in.