Her Story
About Kiarra
Kiarra Thomas is a recent graduate of Converse University, where she earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Child and Family Studies. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at Morgan State University, with an expected graduation date of May 2028. As part of her professional development, Thomas interns at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina, supporting attendance processes and organizational efforts while gaining insights into school social work. She balances these responsibilities with her role as a student athlete and her work as a travel ball coach for softball. Additionally, Thomas has contributed to her community through volunteering at Diane Pilgrim Baptist Church at the Rich Tech location and other athletic and volunteer initiatives. She values honesty, reliability, and trustworthiness in both her professional and personal life, and she attributes her achievements to her upbringing, supportive community, parents, coaches, and strong faith.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kiarra
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my upbringing and the people that surround me. Community is a big thing for me. I would not be the person that I am today without my parents and of course coaches that I've had. And just being around a lot of community, they're always there to help build me up and talk me through things, especially I'm big in my faith so my church is one of the biggest communities that helped me be the person I am today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Stay patient and allow my journey to be my journey and not try to follow someone else's path. Kind of allow your path be your path.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Continue to advocate for not only yourself but others around you. Sometimes it is hard when you feel like there are barriers put against you but know that as long as you are able to help one person you're doing more than enough.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I am in a spot of getting a placement for my MSW which is a part of the requirements to get your master's is to be in an internship placement. One of my challenges would be finding a flexible placement right now where I can also be a student athlete and be able to complete my master's as well as challenging that because a lot of the internships are unpaid so seeing the financial part of being in school as well.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty as well as reliability and trustworthiness.
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