Tkeyah (Kia) Dupclay
Survivor Leader
Kia Dupclay (She/ Her/ Hers) is a human rights advocate with the passion to end homelessness and human trafficking. She was born in East Oakland and while in foster care moved down to Los Angeles. She has dedicated herself to make changes within the community and legislation. As an electrical engineering major, Kia focuses on integrating technology and nonprofit to dismantle broken systems and assist in creating unconventional solutions to the way services are provided. Kia has won the Los Angeles County Building Bridges Award, S.C.R.I.P.T Award, Real Unsung Hero Award and has spoken across the country. Kia sits on four boards and as a part of the NYCL’s CSEC Advisory Board, she was recognized by the California State Senate. As a part of LAHSA’s youth advisory board and adult advisory board, she’s received awards from the Mayor of Los Angeles. As a part of Rise Above Defeat’s Board she coordinates outreaches in areas known for human trafficking. She also worked as a trainer and research developer at the Coalition To Abolish Slavery and Trafficking and she is the executive director of Free 2 Dream Big, an organization that provides outreach, training and support for survivors of human trafficking.With 10 years of lived experience in both human trafficking and homelessness, Kia approaches advocacy work with love, compassion and integrity. Kia fights against injustice and strives to provide trauma informed care to every person she meets. Her favorite saying is “Be like Nike and Just Do It!