Nina Giddens, a senior studying public health and the 87th Miss Xavier, has big dreams. Her dreams include affordable healthcare, especially for marginalized communities. She hopes for a time when her peers, who might come from disadvantaged backgrounds, can experience culture and country beyond their own as they study. She wishes for a day that youth in majority-minority communities find great esteem and worth in their history, skin, and culture.

Giddens’ splendid work to achieve these dreams has led her to be selected for the 2022 Rising Future Makers of AT&T’s Dream in Black program. The AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Makers seeks to uplift and celebrate an esteemed class of 25 Historically Black College and University students who are making a positive impact in their communities and on their campuses. Through the project, the students are given the opportunity to forge connections and build networks along with other resources to support their dreams and ambitions. Giddens was one of 14 honorees and is a member of the second cohort of the initiative.

“Being a 2022 AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Maker is such an honor!” said Giddens. “I have been a self-proclaimed activist for voter rights, HBCUs, and reproductive justice for many years. I hope the resources I now have through this program serve as a greenhouse for growth for my career and activism journey.”

As a member of the 2022 class, Giddens will participate in many development workshops exclusively designed for honorees to learn key tips on how to personally brand and pitch themselves to executive leaders. Within the experience, the inaugural class of Rising Future Makers and the 2022 cohort will be invited to attend networking opportunities and provide ongoing feedback related to the program, making it even more effective for those who come after them as cohort members.

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Giddens started the organization “Mimi Ni Afrika” to build esteem in her community by educating Black youth about their African American heritage through workshops celebrating African culture, dance, and music. Giddens conceived the idea while she participated in a summer camp as a youth counselor. After having the opportunity to

study abroad during her time at Xavier, Giddens realized that many of her peers faced boundaries that prevented them from having similar experiences. Rather than being discouraged by the limited resources, she created opportunities for her classmates by establishing partnerships with local organizations. One partnership led to a passport scholarship program and international travel experiences for 25 students! Her desire to improve the lives of both the current and next generation drives her passion as she prepares for her path forward after Xavier.

“In the future, I plan to become a U.S. Senator that focuses on healthcare policies. It amazes me to have a large company like AT&T see the work that I am doing both with various HBCUs and within my local community by supporting my journey.” Giddens stated.

Active in Xavier’s Student Government Association (SGA), Giddens shares on her social media that post-graduation from Xavier, she hopes to be accepted into a Master of Public Health and Juris Doctor dual degree program with the desire to influence healthcare policy. Even as she prepares for what is sure to be an illustrious career, Giddens remembers those whose support has helped her grow.

“I want to thank Xavier’s Public Health Department, the Office of Social Justice & Inclusion, and [Xavier’s] SGA for always supporting and inspiring my activism.”