We recently connected with Kierra Byrd and have shared our conversation below.
Kierra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
By definition, risk involves uncertainty about the effects and/or implications of an activity with respect to something we, as humans, value. Risks are often imbued with a negative connotation. However, in my life experience, risks have been pivotal in shaping me into who I am today—and they were undoubtedly worth the leap.
One of the risks I took wasn’t just a leap; it was a plunge into the unknown depths of rebuilding my life. As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, I found myself at a crossroads, where the decision to trust social services became my lifeline. Years of neglect and trauma had left me in a state of profound vulnerability, yet I summoned the courage to seek support, despite the uncertainty that loomed ahead. Trusting social services and the foster care system meant relinquishing the familiar, albeit toxic, environment I had known for so long. It meant confronting my deepest fears and vulnerabilities head-on, unsure of what awaited me on the other side. But the alternative—to remain in a cycle of abuse and despair—was no longer acceptable. As I navigated the labyrinth of this journey, I encountered both moments of solace and challenges that tested my resolve. Unfamiliar school systems, unfamiliar family environments, and unfamiliar perspectives on life, all which would culminate into meaning later down the line.
After being adopted from foster care at the age of 16, I continued to navigate uncertainty, only with a bit more courage and I embarked on another daring venture: pursuing higher education. It was a path illuminated by the promise of self-discovery and empowerment, yet shrouded in the shadows of doubt and apprehension. Venturing into an unknown experience I grappled with imposter syndrome and the nagging voice of self-doubt that threatened to undermine my aspirations. Yet, with each milestone achieved and obstacle overcome, I emerged stronger and more resolute than before. The pursuit of knowledge became my compass and slowly healed me from traumatic wounds that told me I wasn’t good enough, strong enough, or had a voice.
Today, as I reflect on the risks I’ve taken and the battles I’ve fought, I carry with me the torch of fortitude, perseverance, and diligence. I have learned to embrace the unknown—to find solace in the discomfort of uncertainty. For me, taking risks isn’t just about stepping into the unknown; it’s about reclaiming agency over my narrative and embracing the transformative power of change. It’s about recognizing that growth resides in the spaces outside our comfort zones—that true liberation lies in our ability to embrace the unfamiliar and forge new paths forward.
In hindsight, the risks I’ve taken have not only reshaped the trajectory of my life but have also imbued me with a profound sense of purpose and resilience. They have taught me that it’s okay to falter, to stumble, and to veer off course—that true strength lies in our ability to rise from the ashes of adversity and chart a course toward a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.
Kierra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Kierra Byrd, a dedicated professional with a passion for serving others and making a positive impact in both my professional endeavors and community engagements. From a young age, I’ve been driven by the desire to inspire others through my words, actions, and leadership.
My journey into the realm of consultancy stems from a rich background in higher education, where I honed my skills in project-based curriculum development, special events coordination, and community engagement. Before joining the esteemed team at Allyn Media, I served in pivotal roles within the Office of the President at The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) and as a Program Coordinator within the Principal Impact Collaborative, a fellowship aimed at revitalizing educational leadership. I am now entering a new era in life where I will be transitioning into the amazing world of becoming an educator.
A proud advocate for youth and women’s empowerment, I’ve dedicated my time to initiatives that uplift and support these communities. Serving on the City of Cedar Hill Neighborhood Advisory Committee and co-chairing the Young Women’s Advisory Council established by the Texas Women’s Foundation are just a few examples of my commitment to fostering positive change.
Education has been a cornerstone of my journey, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas at Dallas and a Master of Public Leadership with a focus on Nonprofit and Community Leadership.
At the heart of my professional ethos lies a deep-rooted belief in empathy, equity, and design. I approach every endeavor with a commitment to understanding the needs of my clients and community, striving to create innovative solutions that drive meaningful results.
What sets me apart is not only my professional expertise but also my dedication to continuous growth and learning. I am driven by diverse opportunities to support others in achieving their goals, whether through public speaking engagements, creative arts initiatives, or strategic advocacy.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am an entrepreneur at heart and an avid bookworm. In my free time, you’ll often find me gardening, in the kitchen crafting my next spontaneous dish, or belting out tunes at karaoke sessions.
In essence, I am deeply passionate about leveraging my skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I invite you to join me on this journey of growth, empowerment, and meaningful change.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I had to unlearn was the ingrained habit of excessively apologizing for every mistake, no matter how trivial. From a young age, I found myself uttering “oops” as a knee-jerk reaction to any perceived disappointment I caused to others. This pattern persisted throughout my formative years and into early adulthood, shaping me into a compulsive seeker of forgiveness.
The pivotal moment of realization came during a chaotic scene at DFW International Airport in 2017. Exhausted and anxious, I found myself struggling to manage my belongings at the curbside check-in. In a moment of panic, I apologized repeatedly to the airport personnel until he sternly warned me, “You’re going to upset me if you say sorry one more time.” His words struck a chord, forcing me to confront the depth of my habit.
It was a transformative experience, highlighting the need to accept constructive criticism and recognize the virtue in acknowledging mistakes without over-apologizing. I learned that making mistakes is a fundamental aspect of being human and offers opportunities for growth and humility.
I’ve come to understand that asking for forgiveness is a virtue, demonstrating maturity and bravery. Embracing our fallibility allows us to learn, evolve, and ultimately, forgive ourselves. Rather than viewing mistakes as inherently negative, I’ve learned to cherish them as invitations for improvement and opportunities for self-love and acceptance.
In essence, the lesson I’ve unlearned is that mistakes are not to be feared or avoided but embraced as catalysts for growth and self-discovery. Through this journey, I’ve cultivated a deeper understanding of myself and a greater capacity for grace and compassion.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative individual is the profound understanding that growth is not a linear journey. It’s about embracing the ebbs and flows, the twists and turns that shape our artistic endeavors. True appreciation for success emerges from navigating through moments of isolation, rejection, and perseverance. Each setback becomes a stepping stone towards greater achievement.
What I cherish most about creativity is its universality across diverse industries and lanes. Every creative soul brings something unique to the table, contributing to the rich tapestry of human expression. By staying true to our individual lanes or zones of genius, we navigate through the complexities of our craft without succumbing to external pressures.
The true reward lies in the journey itself—the willingness to take risks, to confront challenges, and to grant ourselves the opportunity to evolve and thrive. It’s about embracing the discomfort of uncertainty and pushing past the boundaries of our comfort zones. As we confront the unknown, we discover new depths of creativity and resilience within ourselves.
Ultimately, the most fulfilling aspect of being a creative is not about stalling or overthinking, but about seizing the moment and giving ourselves the chance to shine. It’s about confronting our fears head-on and embracing the transformative power of self-discovery. For it is only by facing our challenges that we unlock the full potential of our creative spirits.
Image Credits
Graduation photo: Courtesy of Dallas College, Cedar Valley Campus