Navia Walker
Promise Guide
Navia is a proud native of Kalamazoo, MI, and a recipient of the Kalamazoo Promise. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from Western Michigan University (WMU) in 2021, followed by a Master’s degree in Counselor Education from WMU in 2024.
Before joining the Kalamazoo Promise team, Navia served as the graduate assistant for the Kalamazoo Promise Scholars Program at WMU. Additionally, Navia provided counseling services to the Kalamazoo community during her internship in her Master’s program. This blend of direct experience with Promise scholars and her counseling background uniquely prepared Navia to step into the role of “Promise Guide” for the ELEVATE program.
The ELEVATE Program is a 2–3-year commitment aimed at supporting Promise-eligible scholars as they navigate the challenges posed by systemic inequity. In her role as a Promise Guide, Navia is dedicated to building meaningful relationships, advocating for scholars, and connecting them with valuable resources.