2021 18 of the Last 9 Honoree
Dublin, OH
B.S. in Psychology
Global Talent Director for Global Operations & Technology, Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Kierra Williams is the Global Talent Management Director for Global Operations and Technology at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Upon completing her Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Minor in Black World Studies, she has created and driven people strategies designed to drive employee engagement, productivity, and retention with notable brands such as Amazon, Shearer's Snacks, and Cardinal Health. As a former foster youth who aged out of care, Kierra has a passion for improving outcomes for foster youth. She has been an activist for both state and federal initiatives, including the extension of Medicare benefits to 23 foster youth aging out of care who are actively pursuing post-secondary education. Partnering with Secretary Dr. Ben Carson and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development to provide on-demand housing vouchers for foster youth aging out of foster care, her efforts are to prevent homelessness for these youths. In 2020 she was recognized by Columbus CEO Magazine as a Future 50 leader with the heart and mind to move the region forward.
While a student at Miami, Kierra was active in a number of organizations including Lambda Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, National Panhellenic Council, Black Student Action Association, REACH mentor, and the NAACP Oxford Chapter. Her favorite Miami tradition is the Toasted Roll and the occasional “Clinton” (a pizza in a grilled cheese) from Shriver after a late Friday night uptown.
Kierra's social media links
Other Fun Facts about Kierra:
Hometown: Dayton, OH
High School: Stivers School for the Arts
Graduate School: University of Findlay
Favorite quote: "Do everything with love.”
What advice would you give to first-year students of the Class of 2025? Be present and fully embrace this experience. You will face many challenges and you will make many mistakes but you will always come out better, smarter and stronger on the other side.
What have you learned in 2021? That time is precious and every moment we get to share with those we love is a gift.