Nikia Chaney ’09

Nikia Chaney ’09 (Los Angeles, MFA) was profiled in the Precinct Reporter Group about her educational trajectory. From growing up in poverty in South LA and San Bernardino, to receiving her BA from San Bernardino Valley College, which inspired her to later pursue and receive two master’s degrees. Chaney is the fourth Inlandia Literary Laureate, a two-year position bestowed on her for community volunteerism, writing and literacy programs, and as the author of Us Mouth. Inlandia is a nonprofit that seeks to broaden creative awareness by sponsoring various literary events, including reading programs, boot camps for writers, publishing books, and workshops throughout the Inland Empire. During her term, the organization received a grant award from the nonprofit California Humanities to address Voices Against Violence in the community.