Kira Barden (she/her) has actively volunteered in LGBT community events for many years. Starting in her undergraduate college years, she was an officer of the Lesbian Bisexual Alliance and worked for a campus group, SAFE Women, which provided medical and safe sex information to students. Her volunteer efforts continued when she relocated to New York City in 2000 and was first introduced to The LOFT.

Kira has served The LOFT in various Board capacities: Secretary of the Board of Directors (2006-2009); Vice President (2009-2010); President (2010-2012); Director (2013-2015); President (2015 – 2019); and Vice President (2019 – present). In addition, she has actively volunteered as Chair of the Personnel and Executive Director search committees; facilitating the Friday night women’s group; organizing potlucks and movie nights; leading clothing/toiletry drives to help LGBT youth; displaying her artwork as part of The LOFT Art Show; training peer facilitators and Helpline volunteers; and actively planning The LOFT’s Garden Parties, Prides, and Galas in the last several years.

Kira holds a BA from Agnes Scott College with a double major in Women’s Studies and Psychology. Her Doctoral coursework in Industrial-Organizational Psychology was at CUNY, Graduate Center and Baruch College. Professionally, Kira has spent her career in HR measurement & Organizational Effectiveness roles at IBM, AXA Equitable, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, PepsiCo, and currently, WestRock. From 2014-2020, Kira was employed at PepsiCo on the Global Talent Management and Organization Development team in the enterprise HR function. Kira co-chaired EQUAL Westchester, PepsiCo’s LGBT employee resource group for the offices in White Plains, Purchase, and Valhalla. Currently, Kira is Director of Talent Management for WestRock in Atlanta GA. Though this professional opportunity required relocation outside of Westchester County, Kira remains committed to The LOFT and maintaining her role on the Board.