Women’s History Month Student Leader Spotlight: Meet Kaia Grant, BS ’26
Kaia Grant, BS ’26, reflects on the importance of having women in leadership positions, being a leader in her faith and pursuing a medical career after graduation.
In honor of Women's History Month, SJU News is talking to female leaders of Saint Joseph's University's clubs and organizations to learn more about their leadership journeys and why female voices matter. This week, we're talking to Kaia Grant, BS ’26, a junior biology major and health care ethics minor.
Positions and Organizations
- Captain, Orientation 2029
- Bible study leader, Christian Life Community Leader (CLC)
- Teaching assistant, Biology 101 and 102 Lab
Can you explain your role and responsibilities?
As an Orientation captain, I plan bonding events for the team and ensure that every member’s opinion is being heard. We also help with any issues that may arise during Orientation to ensure that the week is running smoothly.
As a Bible study leader, my co-leader and I design sessions based on verses of the Bible and craft reflection questions for our participants. We help to facilitate a calm reflection space and ensure that everyone is getting the most out of their time as possible.
As a biology teaching assistant, I sit in on Biology 101 and 102 Labs and walk around, answering any questions the students may have and help run the lab practical exams during the year. Most importantly, I help to foster a welcoming lab experience so the students get the most out of what they learn in the lab.
Why is it important to see women in leadership?
It is extremely important to see women in leadership roles because it proves the strength and determination that women have and have always had. It represents the work that the women before us have put in so we can have leadership positions. It is also important for the future as young girls can look up to the women in leadership now and aspire to be in such positions.
Who is a woman at Saint Joseph's who has inspired your leadership journey, and why?
A woman who inspires my leadership journey is the head of student leadership and activities, Beth Hagovsky. Beth is a leader in so many ways to all activities on campus, especially Orientation. I look up to her because of how well she handles the many jobs she has, and I aspire to handle projects with poise and confidence as she does. Another woman at SJU who inspires me to be an amazing scientist and Black female leader in science is Professor Chalon Downs, who I now work for as a teaching assistant. As the lab coordinator, she makes sure that everything is running smoothly and always brings a positive attitude to the labs. I look forward to being as intelligent and welcoming as she is.
What is one quote or piece of advice that has stuck with you in your leadership journey?
A piece of advice that always stuck with me is, “If it were easy, everyone would do it.” I’ve heard this quote from many people in leadership positions and it holds true. Leading is not always easy as there are many people depending on you and many jobs to be done well. However, every leader was chosen for a reason. While the journey might be difficult, it will be rewarding nonetheless.
Following graduation, how do you plan or hope to continue building your legacy in female leadership in your career?
Following graduation, I plan to attend medical school with aspirations of becoming a pediatric cardiologist or general practitioner. I want to build my leadership skills in medicine to lead my own practice and hope to inspire other young women to go into male-dominated careers and become leaders in their fields.
