Kiki Baker Barnes, PhD – P.O.W.E.R.ful Women

Q: How would you describe your business?

Kiki Baker Barnes LLC is a certified John Maxwell speaker, trainer and coach committed to helping youth and young adults unlock their leadership potential.

Q: When did you launch? 

August 9, 2016

Q: How were you inspired to start your business? 

My passion is coaching and mentoring youth. My career path from college basketball coach to Athletic Director has provided me great insight on the challenges that youth and young adults face as they are transitioning into adulthood and into their professional careers. I have seen the youth and young adults that I have mentored and coached grow tremendously. My desire to start this business was to make a greater impact in the community by being more intentional about developing the next generation of leaders. As a result, I registered to attend the International Maxwell Certification Conference and completed my certification.

Q: What local resources have you used? 

I registered with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center and have attended several workshops that have been critical to growing my business. The QuickBooks and the business plan workshops were extremely helpful. I also joined the New Orleans Black Regional Chamber of Commerce and have benefitted from the targeted networking opportunities and programming for members.

Q: What is your big focus right now?

My big focus is continuing to expand my So You Want A Career in Athletics™ program – professional development opportunities designed to expose girls ages 13-18 to career opportunities in sport. I recently partnered with New Orleans Pelicans staff to host an event for National Girl and Women in Sport Day.

Q: What is the best advice you ever received? 

Matthew 6:33

Q: What success have you had in the last year?

I have had a ton of personal successes. Here are a few:

• 2019 Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year (National Association of College Directors of Athletics – NACDA)
• Serving as 2019-20 President of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association Board
• Feature article in ESPN’s The Undefeated on “Dillard athletic director Kiki Baker Barnes is blazing a trail she wants others to follow”
• Feature Article in College Athletics and the Law Journal – “Build athletics departments to stand strong even in the face of storms”
• Hosted my first So You Want A Career in Athletics™ program (on the road) in Kansas City in conjunction with International Day of the Girl

Q: What has been the biggest benefit of being a POWER member?

The biggest benefit of being a POWER member has been increased exposure of my brand and access to the POWER network of women who are providing support and guidance as I look to continue to grow and expand the business.

Q: What does POWER mean to you?

To be a POWER member means Pursuing Opportunities With Enthusiasm & Rigor

Keeping up with Dr. Kiki
Website: www.kikibakerbarnes.com
Twitter: @kikibakerbarnes
Facebook and Instagram: @kikibakerbarnes

So You Want A Career in Athletics ™
Website: www.sywacia.com
Facebook and Instagram: @sywacia