Her Story
About Kiarra
Kiarra Balom serves as Director of the strategic partnerships function at TIAA, a Fortune 500 organization specializing in financial services and retirement planning. In this role, she partners with external professional organizations, community partners, and industries to promote the company's brand and connect with prospective talent through networking events and career fairs, such as those with the Financial Planning Association and military bases. She previously spent several years on TIAA's early talent team, where she managed intern programs and rotational programs, helping students secure their first career opportunities. Kiarra attributes her drive to her military upbringing, with her father having served in the Navy, and her desire to inspire her daughter and family by demonstrating that anything is possible. She also founded a scholarship in her name at her high school, which she awards annually to seniors during awards day.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kiarra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I feel like I have always been very, very driven. I think that was instilled in me at, like, a young age. I actually come from a military background, so my dad was in the Navy, for a long time, so I've lived in a whole bunch of different states. There's something, I think, about living the military lifestyle and having an active duty parent that certain things are kind of just, like, ingrained in you. I think my upbringing definitely plays a large role into that, too, but then also having a daughter, I feel like, is definitely huge, and just being an inspiration for my family.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My biggest thing, honestly, is just to be open. To be so open. I think that there's so many different opportunities, and it's also understanding that what you like can manifest in a bunch of different ways, right? So, like, for me, you know, I'm a people person, right? But HR people aren't the only people people. There's a lot of different avenues you can kind of go. I would say the big thing is figuring out what brings you the most joy, and understanding that that may not look like a one particular role. There's a lot of opportunities where you can really make sure that you're honing on what you really want to do and what brings you that fulfillment.
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