PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (March 17, 2026) – Prairie View A&M University Honors student Makiya Corde Minney was known as “Dr. Kiya” growing up – she always wanted to be a cardiologist.
Makiya Corde Minney
That is, until she learned she has emetophobia – an intense fear of vomiting.
Since then, taking early college classes in criminal justice in high school, as well as seeing family members treated unfairly in the justice system, led her down a new career path into the legal world.
“As a young Black woman, it is frustrating to see people who look like you, especially people in your own family, receive extremely harsh sentences for small offenses while others receive lighter consequences for much more serious crimes,” said Minney, now a criminal justice major at PVAMU.
Minney will be featured during the upcoming Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation on March 18.
The day is a time to reflect on the University’s rich history, enduring legacy, and the extraordinary achievements of PVAMU students, said Dr. Aashir Nasim, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.
“To our honor students, you represent the very best of PVAMU—your passion for learning, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering determination set the standard for achievement,” Dr. Nasim said. “Your success is a testament to your resilience and a reflection of the support from faculty, staff, families, and mentors who have guided you along this journey.”
Generational Milestone
When she graduates next year, Minney will be the first lawyer in her family.
A junior with a minor in psychology and a concentration in legal studies, Minney stays busy for her future clients.
Minney, 2025-2026 Miss College of Juvenile Justice, is also the 2026-2027 Miss Krimson and Kream for the Zeta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. She is also the vice president of the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society PVAMU Chapter and vice president of Panther Ambassadors, in addition to being a member of the Honors College HPXV and serving on the Junior Class Council Career Development Committee.
“What motivates me is knowing that every opportunity I pursue is preparing me for the responsibility I’ll eventually have as an attorney,” she said. “I think about the people who will one day rely on me during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and that keeps me disciplined. I also come from environments where hard work opened doors for me, so I feel a responsibility to maximize every opportunity placed in front of me.”
An only child from Indianapolis, Minney said she first realized how justice – or lack thereof – can impact entire families beyond the individual. She experienced it firsthand when she saw her cousins and uncles go through the legal system.
“Relationships change, families become separated, and the emotional impact can last for years,” she said. “You start to notice how different the family dynamic becomes compared to how things used to be.”
That is why she wants to be the type of attorney who works with people who need someone to advocate for them.
“When people are constantly treated like they are less than human, especially people of color, it becomes much harder for them to move forward and rebuild their lives,” Minney said. “At the same time, society expects them to do better and stay out of trouble. That contradiction never made sense to me.”
Giving Back
Working at H-E-B for five years, she said she thought about going into corporate law, but realized she wants to help people, not defend companies. “I want to represent individuals who may not have access to strong legal representation,” she said, adding she will also be interested in pro bono work once she obtains her JD. “Legal help can be very expensive, and many people in underserved communities simply cannot afford it.”
That is why, despite her busy schedule, Minney is also a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“Mentorship means a lot to me because I’m an only child, and growing up, I had mentors, teachers, and community leaders who poured into me and helped shape my confidence and goals,” she said, who has developed a strong bond with her 10-year-old Little Sister. “Seeing her growth and confidence develop is inspiring, and it reminds me how impactful consistent support and encouragement can be for young people.”
Aspiring Ahead
Minney does not know which law school she will apply to, but is inspired by Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D), the first African American graduate of the University of Houston Law Center in its 75-year history to serve in the House of Representatives.
“I have had the opportunity to meet her a few times, and those conversations only reinforced my interest in becoming a defense attorney,” Minney said. “Seeing someone who started at that same law school go on to make such an impact shows me what is possible.”
She has also participated in the American Civil Liberties Union National Advocacy Institute, as well as various internships and state-level advocacy. Of those, Minney highlighted interning for Rep. Christian Menefee’s successful campaign for Congress. Menefee (D-Texas), a former Harris County attorney, was sworn in earlier this year after winning the special election runoff for the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s seat.
“I previously interned under him at the Harris County Attorney’s Office during Summer 2025, so being able to see his leadership transition from public service into federal advocacy showed me how law and policy connect at different levels,” Minney said. “It helped me understand that legal professionals don’t just work in courtrooms. They can influence legislation, community outreach, and systemic change.”
She advises fellow PVAMU Panthers to proactively seek out opportunities that “put them in the room with professionals doing the work they aspire to do.” For example, she organized a countywide Public Service Internship Luncheon and panel discussion that connected students with judges, attorneys, and public officials.
“Don’t wait until law school to get involved,” Minney says. “Volunteer, intern, ask questions, and create opportunities if they don’t already exist.”
By Christine Won
-PVAMU-