Kikani Libadia '25

Kikani Libadia '25
Major: Psychology
Involvements: Han Tao, Isang Bansa, Nikkei Student Union, TOMODACHI Inouye Scholar

When Kikani Libadia ’25 arrived at Loyola Marymount University, she was looking for a space where she could grow, lead, and be fully seen. As a psychology major from San Francisco, California, she found that space within the vibrant community of the Asian and Pacific Islander Desi American students (APIDA), where she not only discovered a deepened sense of identity, but also found her voice as a leader and advocate.

“I truly take the idea of being a lifelong learner to heart and I know that my work in the APIDA community matters,” Libadia reflects. “I used the issues of DEI as my primary motivation within and beyond LMU.”

Throughout her time at LMU, Libadia became a driving force behind APIDA’s events, initiatives, and student engagement. Whether she was helping to organize cultural celebrations or mentoring younger students navigating their own journeys, she made it her mission to ensure the APIDA student experience was recognized and uplifted. Her proudest moments came from her contributions to the APIDA community working with Curtiss Takada Rooks, Ph.D., and Min-Jung Kim. This year, Libadia was one of the student leaders for the second Asian American Symposium. She assisted in leading a week full of events that highlighted voices in the Asian American communities, which included two movie screenings, three panels, an open mic night, and a fireside chat.

But her impact didn’t stop there. In the classroom, Labadia thrived by challenging herself academically and seeking out support from her professors. “The biggest lesson I learned was to not be afraid to ask for help from my professors and to not be so hard on myself as a student,” she says. “Learning looks different for everyone and even when I didn’t get the grades I wanted, I was able to take away meaningful lessons and ideas that I could apply to my everyday life.”

Of the university’s five student EXP pillars, she connects most closely with Become a Global Citizen. “LMU constantly challenges us to look beyond the bluff and interact with the greater Los Angeles and global communities that shape us,” Labadia says. “Through a strong understanding of interculturalism and intersectionality, we can continue to create diverse communities that demonstrate the power of collective action.”

Labadia is excited for what’s ahead as she returns to San Francisco looking for a role in management or program development at a mission-driven organization. But before she leaves the bluff, she offers one final message to the place that helped mold her: “Thank you to all my professors and mentors who have helped me to shape my leadership skills through academics and student organizations. Thank you to my peers for trusting me with executive board positions and for joining me in building a strong and welcoming community for our Asian Pacific Islander Desi American students. Please keep the work going and remember to always seek learning opportunities!”