Dr. Marquia “Kia” Whitehead, educator, professional writer, certified life and career coach, and entrepreneur is an experienced, result-oriented, award-winning English Professor and Writer with an advanced knowledge of the English language, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and education. She has a passion in writing and education, achieving results through relationship building, collaboration, research, and proofreading and editing.
Serving as an Education Consultant for an international education company, Dr. Whitehead enjoys assisting K-12 schools with improving leadership and self-improvement in students, faculty, staff, families, and communities! Previously a DEI Contractor for the organization, she is now also Unconscious Bias certified and facilitates diversity and inclusion workshops on behalf of the corporation. Additionally, Dr. Whitehead has over 10 years of experience in education, still fulfilling her passion as an Adjunct English Professor for a few higher education institutions; facilitates professional and personal development workshops and training; and assists organizations with DEI strategizing.
Educationally, Dr. Whitehead attended Nicholls State University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, with a minor in Marketing; Northwestern State University, receiving a Master of Arts in English, with a focus in Linguistics and Writing; and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, receiving a Doctorate in Education, specifically Educational Leadership, with a concentration in Higher Education. Her study focused on African American women in leadership roles at higher education institutions. Additionally, she received a Graduate Certification in Professional Writing. Her award-winning dissertation, A Phenomenological Study of the Barriers and Challenges Presented to African American Women in Leadership Roles at Four-Year Higher Education Institutions, has been read by individuals nationally, receiving ongoing recognition. Dr. Whitehead holds additional certifications in various subject matters surrounding education and diversity.
Professional accomplishments consist of an array of endeavors: Leadership Lafayette XXIV; Louisiana State University’s faculty “Guest Coach” award, nominated by students; Blue Cliff College’s “Employee of the Month;” Louisiana Leading Lady award; Woman of Excellence Recipient; and many more, including magazine features. Dr. Whitehead previously published in The Southern View Magazine, worked with the Baton Rouge Fashion Week as a writer, and featured as a cover story for the Courageous Women’s Magazine and CanvasRebel. In addition, she has received several awards and acknowledgements for her abilities in teaching, writing, and overall philanthropy. Her passion consists of literacy in minority, disenfranchised communities, diversity and inclusion, communication, and women’s empowerment. Current display of her passion includes mentorship, founder of a women’s book club, Catch that Read book club, and creator of a women’s FB group that consists of career development, personal growth, and empowerment, Go Get It, Girl.