Kania Kennedy, the S.M.A.R.T. Sista, is a native of Detroit, MI, currently residing in Chicago, IL. From a working class family focused on higher education, she received her elementary and middle school education from the Detroit Public Schools including Bates Academy Magnet School. At the conclusion of her 8th grade year, she was awarded a full academic scholarship to University of Ligget Schoool (ULS) an exclusive Independent Private School in Grosse Pointe, MI, where she received her high school education. After graduating with honors from ULS, Kania went on to attend Duke University and earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical & Computer Engineering.

While at Duke University, Kania was a columnist for The Chronicle, the campus paper, President of the Lambda Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, served in Duke Student government, was an officer in the Black Student Alliance (BSA), Vice President of the Duke Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and interned at General Motors Corporation.

After completing her education at Duke University, Kania began her career in Beauty, Health, & Fitness as an Aerobics Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Model. She later served as the Director of Events & Community Affairs at the Northwest Activities Center, and started her entrepreneurial career by launching her event planning and promotions company. Currently, Kania Kennedy is founder and CEO of Diva Dance, a company that empowers women to be Fit, Fabulous, and Satisfied. In addition, she has written her first book, The SM.A.R.T. Sista’s Guide to College.

Kania started the Smart Sista project to share the wisdom of her mother and her life experiences with “Sistas” of all ages! She is committed to empowering Young Sistas in their transition into woman hood and Grown Sistas to live the fabulous life!