We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ki’Yha Moore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ki’Yha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The KiYha Moore Foundation (KMF) was born from the heart and strength of a young girl who had suffered in silence for far too long. Ki’Yha, an 11-year-old girl from the South Suburbs of Chicago, had been relentlessly bullied. Despite her best efforts to ignore the hurtful words and exclusion, the bullying only intensified, until it became too much to bear. One day, in the depths of her despair, Ki’Yha said, “Dying would be better than living another day through this.”
For Ki’Yha, this wasn’t just a fleeting thought—it was the raw reflection of the pain and hopelessness she felt every single day. It was a moment that shook her to the core, and in that moment, Ki’Yha realized something had to change. But what really stood out was the clarity she gained from this pain. Instead of letting herself be consumed by it, Ki’Yha made a powerful decision: she was going to do something about it—not just for herself, but for other kids who were struggling like she had.
Ki’Yha didn’t wait for someone else to come up with the solution. The idea for the KiYha Moore Foundation was sparked when she looked at her own experience and thought, If this is happening to me, I know it’s happening to others. With the support of her mother, Mikkita, Ki’Yha set out to create something that could help children just like her—kids who felt alone, misunderstood, or trapped by bullying, violence, and mental health struggles.
Ki’Yha’s vision was clear: she wanted to create a space where kids could build confidence, find strength, and receive mentorship, especially those who didn’t have the resources or support to face these challenges alone. The idea was simple, yet powerful—provide a safe place where kids could feel seen, heard, and understood, away from the pressures and negativity of the outside world.
What excited Ki’Yha the most about this idea wasn’t just the opportunity to create change; it was the chance to form a community where everyone looked out for one another. Ki’Yha envisioned a “Buddy Club” made up of youth who were against bullying, violence, and drugs. The club would be a group of like-minded kids, standing together in solidarity, showing that strength comes from being kind and supportive of one another.
Ki’Yha’s own experience had shown her how important it was to have people around you who had your back, and she wanted to build that same sense of belonging for others. But her vision went beyond just providing emotional support. She wanted to offer resources to help kids who were dealing with depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse. She knew firsthand how hard it was to face these battles on your own, and she wanted to be part of the solution for others.
The KiYha Moore Foundation wasn’t just about solving a problem—it was about creating a movement where kids could take control of their own futures. Ki’Yha felt driven by the belief that if kids could come together and support each other, they could break free from the chains of bullying, violence, and mental health struggles. She was passionate about creating a world where every child had the confidence and resources they needed to overcome the challenges in their lives.
The logic behind Ki’Yha’s idea was simple, yet profound: If you give kids the tools they need to believe in themselves, they can rise above anything life throws at them. She wasn’t just offering a service; she was offering a community—a family that kids could rely on to lift them up when things felt impossible. It wasn’t about fixing everything at once, but about giving children the space to heal, grow, and feel empowered to make positive changes in their own lives.
For Ki’Yha, the excitement came from knowing that the foundation could be a place of transformation—a place where kids weren’t just surviving, but thriving. She knew that if she could help one child feel like they mattered, then she had already begun making a difference. And that spark of hope would light the way for others, too.
The KiYha Moore Foundation became the embodiment of her mission: to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space for children to grow, to heal, and to rise above the challenges that once seemed insurmountable. What started from the pain of one young girl transformed into a powerful movement, built on love, empathy, and the belief that every child deserves to feel valued, strong, and confident.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
The KiYha Moore Foundation (KMF) was created with the mission to support and empower youth who face bullying, violence, mental health struggles, and other challenging obstacles. My name is Ki’Yha Moore, and my journey began from a deeply personal experience—one that I believe connects with so many other kids and families out there. I was just 11 years old when I endured years of relentless bullying. Despite my attempts to ignore it, it became overwhelming, and at one point, I reached a place of hopelessness, feeling like things would never get better. But I didn’t want to let that be the end of my story. Instead, I made a choice: I would be part of the solution for myself and others who were suffering like I was.
With my mother, Mikkita Moore, by my side, we founded the KiYha Moore Foundation. It became a way for me to channel my pain into something positive—a place where kids like me could find strength, build confidence, and know that they weren’t alone. It was born out of the belief that every child deserves to feel supported, valued, and safe, no matter what they’re going through.
Our foundation is all about providing a safe space for youth between the ages of 6 and 17. We focus on mentorship, emotional support, and community building, offering a variety of programs aimed at helping kids navigate bullying, mental health challenges, violence, and substance abuse. We created the “Buddy Club,” a special group of young people who are committed to standing against bullying, violence, and drugs. Through this, we aim to foster empathy, kindness, and resilience in our youth, giving them a platform where they can share, grow, and connect with others who understand their struggles.
What sets the KiYha Moore Foundation apart is our commitment to not just being a temporary support system but a long-term community that nurtures kids’ mental health and emotional well-being. We understand that overcoming bullying, trauma, or depression isn’t a quick fix—it’s an ongoing process that requires consistent support, guidance, and empowerment. We strive to be that constant for every child we work with.
Our work isn’t just about offering programs; it’s about creating real, lasting change in the lives of young people. We provide resources to help prevent depression, reduce suicidal ideations, and create pathways for overcoming the impact of bullying and violence. What I’m most proud of is that we’ve been able to help so many young people build resilience, learn to advocate for themselves, and truly believe in their own worth. I’m proud of the fact that our foundation has created a ripple effect of kindness and understanding, fostering a sense of belonging and hope in a world where kids often feel isolated and misunderstood.
When it comes to what I want people to know about the KiYha Moore Foundation, it’s that we’re more than just an organization—we’re a family. We are dedicated to walking alongside youth through their toughest times, providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. We don’t just aim to stop bullying or prevent violence; we work toward helping kids feel empowered to be the change they wish to see in their own lives and in the world around them.
We want every young person to know that no matter what they’re facing, they are worthy, they are loved, and they have a community here that believes in them. Our mission isn’t just about reacting to problems—it’s about creating a space for growth, healing, and the building of a brighter future for the next generation. That’s what the KiYha Moore Foundation stands for, and that’s what drives everything we do.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One of the most defining moments of my journey—and a real testament to my resilience—happened when I was in school, dealing with a lot of pain from bullying and abandonment. From a young age, I faced bullying every single day. The kids at school made fun of me, excluded me, and constantly made me feel like I wasn’t good enough. On top of that, I also had the weight of my biological father’s abandonment hanging over me—something that happened not once, but twice. Each time he left, it felt like a piece of me was torn away. I felt rejected, unloved, and like I was invisible to the world around me.
It was a heavy combination of bullying and the absence of my father that made me feel like I wasn’t wanted, like I didn’t belong. I remember feeling completely alone, walking through those hallways, wondering why I couldn’t just be like everyone else. The pain I felt from both bullying and the absence of someone who was supposed to care about me was almost unbearable. There were moments when I didn’t want to keep going, when I thought the pain would never end.
But it was in those darkest times that I made a powerful decision—I will not let this break me. I knew I didn’t want to feel that pain ever again. I didn’t want to let bullying or abandonment dictate my worth or my future. That’s when I decided I would turn my experiences into something that could help others. I realized that if I could find the strength to rise above it, maybe I could help other kids who felt the same way.
The foundation of KiYha Moore Foundation (KMF) came from that resilience. I knew there had to be a way to create a safe space for other kids who were struggling like I had. I didn’t want other children to go through what I went through—feeling alone, rejected, and powerless. I made a promise to myself that I would be the person I wished I had when I was growing up—someone who believed in them, someone who would remind them they were worthy and loved.
That commitment to never feeling that pain again, and to helping others avoid it, is what keeps me going every day. It’s not easy, and it takes a lot of strength to stay focused, but I know that every step forward—whether it’s supporting a child or building the foundation—is a step away from the pain and toward something better. It’s that resilience, that refusal to be broken by my past, that drives everything I do with the foundation.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
The story of how I met my cofounder, my mom, is really a story of lifelong inspiration. My mother, Mikkita Moore, has always been my biggest supporter and mentor. She’s not just my mother—she’s also my business partner, and I am more than grateful for her. Growing up, I watched her entrepreneurial journey firsthand. She was always working hard, hustling, and figuring out ways to make things happen. Her drive and resilience were unlike anything I’d ever seen, and from a young age, I was inspired by her determination to succeed.
When I was just 9 years old, my mom started my first business. I can still remember how she involved me in every part of it, teaching me the importance of hard work, persistence, and believing in myself. Even at that young age, I understood the value of entrepreneurship and the power of having your own vision. Watching her build businesses, tackle challenges, and keep pushing forward showed me that anything was possible with the right mindset.
As I got older, my mom continued to guide me, always providing me with the tools and encouragement I needed to pursue my dreams. She helped me through tough times, and it was because of her that I felt empowered to create the KiYha Moore Foundation. She’s been my rock and my biggest cheerleader, pushing me forward when things got difficult and helping me stay focused on our mission.
Starting the KiYha Moore Foundation together was a natural step for both of us. She’s been right beside me every step of the way—helping me organize, strategize, and stay grounded. Her entrepreneurial experience and wisdom have been invaluable, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better cofounder or business partner. Her guidance, love, and constant belief in me have been instrumental in getting to where we are today.
In short, my mom has always been my mentor and business partner in every sense of the word. Her dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have shaped not only the KiYha Moore Foundation but also who I am as a person and a leader. I’m incredibly lucky to have her by my side as we work together to make a difference in the lives of so many young people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kiyhamoorefoundation.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiyhamoorefoundation
