Nakia D. Montgomery (Kia M.) is an accomplished writer, innovative creator, and compassionate storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of Arts and Education. After relocating from Texas to California, she has become a vibrant force in her community, building projects that inspire a love for reading and creative expression.

As the self-published author of the Levi & Toonk board book series, Nakia intentionally writes stories which center the experiences of melanated, gifted children while offering inclusive messages for readers everywhere. Inspired by her grandson Levi—and his alter ego “Toonk”—her work introduces young audiences to a world of imagination, curiosity, and representation.

Nakia is also the proud recipient of numerous recognitions, including the Boss Network Grant in partnership with HelloAlice, the Mayor’s Certificate of Completion, the California State Assembly Legislature honor, and Long Beach’s Neighborhood Leadership Program Achievement Award. A 2025 NLP Graduate, Global Kinship Leader, and CSUDH/California Black Women Collective Scholar, she continues to expand her literary platform through books, speaking engagements, and community service.

In addition to her writing, Nakia serves the greater Los Angeles area as a Business Leader, where she invests in mentorship, donations, and educational programming. She frequently visits schools, hosts annual storytimes in partnership with county libraries, and is developing an interactive educational resource space dedicated to nurturing creativity and giftedness in children.

NOTABLE PROJECTS

The Micheaux Film Festival

  • Successfully collaborated with industry leaders and creative artists to cultivate a vibrant cinematic community and close the gap in authentic, relatable filmmaking

  • Partnered with innovative professionals to amplify underrepresented voices, highlight emerging talent, and strengthen community engagement through the celebration of the arts

Black Magic 48 Hour Horror/Comedy Screenplay

  • Operated as Assistant Producer for an intense 48-hour comedy-horror film challenge, championing the emergence of bold, imaginative storytellers and fostering a new generation of creative voices—guided by mentorship from top industry professionals

Beyond A Single Path Career Event

  • Partnered with local schools, organizations, and professionals to host a youth career fair highlighting public safety professionals, armed forces recruiters, and self-starter entrepreneurs. This created an inviting space where 50+ youth engaged directly with representatives where they received resources to support their future paths

HE SAID, SHE SAID, THEY SAY…

As my wife begins to tell me, she wanted to start writing something she's been wanting to do as a child. At first I was just excited as she was, until I realized that it was going to take away some of the things I love doing. because now we have only one income coming into our home and I won’t lie. I felt a certain type of way. I had a lot of disagreement and didn't see eye to eye. As her confidence started to grow, and believing in what was promised to her by the Lord, and seeing things manifest, I then started to believe in her dream. And to say all of that as her husband, I just have to say trust and believe and support your wife life long dream and watch it manifest into something great. As black men, let's all get on board and support our black women.

— Shug

I remember being 10 years old listening to my sister tell me about her dreams. Dreams of being a prolific poet inspired by Nikki Giovanni. Her dreams consisted of being married, having a boy (first) and then a girl. At the time she thought she was going to marry the little boy that went to our church . She kept this golden-brownish books and while the rest of us was playing or being obnoxious she would be writing. Writing poems while listening to Stevie Wonder’s Ribbon in Sky on tape. Those were the days. I remember her writing a poem for a young man that was killed, me listening and crying and telling her I didn’t like that poem. It was so many of us so not only did we share a room we shared bed and every night it was story time and as vivid as her imagination was then she was actually speaking her dreams into existence. Her life didn’t happen in the chronological order but God still blessed her with a girl (1st), a boy (2nd) and then marriage. It’s taken her sometime to see her dreams of but timing now is perfect. She’s settled, the kids are grown and she’s matured. I can not write this without tearing up because even when things didn’t look like they were going to come together she stayed consistent; could be because she deeply knows that all things work together for our Good. I’m really proud of you and my prayer is that God will enlarge your territory and Bless you beyond your imagination.

— MK

Dear Author:

I appreciate your openness, realness, and authenticity! You’ve unveiled issues that most would not dare speak so freely about when it involves a spouse or otherwise. In doing so, it makes me see you more vividly for the beautiful bright light that you exude. Your expressions made me realize that we should never try to impose our feelings on our mate, yet, we have to take ownership of OUR feelings and not have the expectation or take for granted that the other understands those feelings. Additionally, although that person in our life is probably the closest to us, we don’t always share the same sentiments. This is what makes us UNIQUE! We can love one another and still have different agendas. Does this create a wedge in our relationship? Absolutely not! It brings freshness to the relationship because now we have newness that we can share and help the other to see the value that it adds to our relationship! Thank you for your transparency! You are the real deal! Signed: Taking heed!

— Tish E.

This QUEEN'S smile alone is awakening. Effortlessly genuine in educating our future1 book at a time, Kia M Author a.k.a Nakia Montgomery, is the founder of LEVI & TOONK.

Finally, children can read and see faces similar to theirs while learning. THANK YOU for investing in our future!!! Now QUEENS I challenge you to be supportive. The Princesses are watching *

— Dana Henry