kyra Afolabi

Brainstormer, Christian, Job-seeker, Project manager, Public servant, Single, Social entrepreneur, Student

Hi! My name is Kyra Afolabi and I am finishing my last year of my Bachelor's studying Professional Communication at the University of Missouri Kansas City. I am passionate about uplifting youth and serving underrepresented communities. I currently serve as the Program Manager for IAM4Thirteen’s, which is a college and career readiness program for high school girls through wellness programming. Working to advance the mission of this organization, I love to absorb knowledge from those around me. Before beginning my graduate studies in Public Administration, I am dedicating my senior year to being more active in my community through volunteer work, developing my skills via current projects, and being intentional with the opportunities that are presented.

I am passionate about holistic development and fostering safe spaces for you youth to prosper.

Communication practices, interpersonal and intrapersonal specifically, should be more common and intentionally integrated in primary and secondary education.

adaptability, creativity, curiosity, problem solving, project management, writing

I would say I am still in the beginning chapters of my TED story, however this social enterprise has been a planted seed in my garden since I was a child. In my spare time years ago (and still to this day), I would type into Youtube tagline words such as: "Black Women Emotional", "Introvert Being Silenced", "Be Bold", and things of that nature. My intention with these broad search terms, was to pick a video based on the title that best matched how I was feeling in that moment. I have not considered myself the best communicator, especially as a child, but watching TED videos was one avenue of hearing someone else express the concepts that I could not articulate myself. TED served as an introductory way of me finding my own voice, by first allowing me to comprehend my internal dilemma. TED has never stopped their momentum in expanding educational access and challenging people’s perspectives. During my time as a Resident Assistant, my favorite educational program surprisingly enough was outlined from Sarah Knight’s Ted Talk, ‘The Art of Not Giving a Fuck’. Similarly as before, the platform didn’t only spark an engaging conversation with college students, but was also an unintentional opportunity for me to develop myself as a public speaker; considering Sarah’s communication approach, captivating techniques, and unique chosen topic.

People don't know I'm good at script writing, tedious crafts, and motivational interviewing.