Kiarie Kinnie
Kiarie was a first-generation college student and the third oldest of eight children. She grew up living in three different households-her mom's, dad's and grandmother's.
"It was a family effort", she said. "Whoever was the most stable at the time I lived with, spending a few years with each. They really did the best they could in the situation that they were in."
"It build me up to know what I needed to do to not put Karson or any future children in the same situation."
Kiari got pregnant with Karson her freshman year at University of Alabama and had her son, Karson, during the winter break returning shortly thereafter to pursue her dreams. Since then she has been a full-time mom, full-time student and full-time waitress/cook at the Waffle House. Kiari credits the arrival of Karson as her motivation to succeed both in school and life. "I had to stand out for Karson and give him someone to look up to. My mentality was I am not responsible for myself anymore and have someone else's life in my hands."
Kiari balanced school, work and raising Karson and still was able to make the President's List nearly every semester while at University of Alabama.
We are extremely proud of Kiari's accomplishments both at University of Alabama and in life and she has made us proud at the Ingram Lee Foundation.
