Momna Kiani

Momna Kiani’s nominator said, “Momna has shown an amazing ability to empathize and connect with others. Understanding when her peers are stressed, vulnerable and in need takes a special type of person. Also special is her ability to understand when others need recognition and provide that in a way that is thoughtful and kind.”

Last fall, Momna noticed that her peers in the Honors Residential Commons were more stressed than usual. As vice president in the HRC Council, she wanted to plan an entire week of events that would help students to destress. During this “Stress-less Week,” she collaborated with Cook Counseling to bring the therapy dogs and with VTPD to bring Ringo the therapy pony. She hosted ice cream night, and helped prepare soup night for residents on Friday to help them head into the weekend on a “soup-er” note.

Momna also took it upon herself to plan a luncheon for the housekeeping staff in Ambler Johnston as a thank you for the work they do. Momna put in extra time before the lunch to make watercolor pictures of Burrus Hall to give to the staff. When she hosted the event a second time, she created a space for students to sign thank you cards to the housekeeping staff, which they loved.

Her nominator said, “It’s what Momna does when she gets back to her residence hall that makes her stand out from her peers – she speak up when she witnesses an injustice and reaches out to those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or in need.”

Momna said, “The Honors Residential Commons community grew my confidence and leadership skills and helped me find friends within other organizations on campus. My passion is to serve and care for others. I believe that the leadership I pursue always has an aspect of support of the community I’m working with. I love connecting with others, hearing their stories, and supporting them.”

A dean’s list student and recipient of the Calhoun ’79 scholarship, Momna will graduate in 2025 with a double major in cognitive-behavioral neuroscience and psychology. She would like to work in the healthcare field as a physician.

She said, “Growing up South Asian, I witnessed how the lack of diversity among doctors could lead to advice that might not be applicable to the patient’s lifestyle. I want to be able to provide the diversity and new perspective within the field of medicine to better advocate for health equity.” Being fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, and French should give her a head start.

It is a great honor to present the Aspire! Award for PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP to Momna Kiani.