skip to main content
Kiera Evans

Kiera Evans

Altair ACO

Career Roadmap

Kiera's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Business, and Upholding a Cause and Belief

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

Director of Engagement

I oversee the member engagement and operations of Altair ACO - a human services lead accountable care organization looki

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Westfield High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Sociology, General

    University of Mary Washington

  • Graduate Degree

    Social Justice and Intercultural Communication

    School for International Training

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Director of Engagement:

Bachelor's Degree: Public Health, General

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    As an undergrad I had a focus on International Development. My Senior Year of college, however, I lost my mom to cancer and my focus shifted to staying close to family.

  • 2.

    In Grad School, I intended to study and explore Conflict Transformation, but was drawn to Social Change Theory and the exploration of questioning.

  • 3.

    In a post grad internship, I worked for the Church, attempting to explore the crossroads of my passion for justice, and the historical trauma often driven by the Church. (Still working on this one!)

  • 4.

    As I finished my thesis, I completed a year of service with AmeriCorps VISTA - working with retired and senior volunteers.

  • 5.

    With a background spanning international justice, church engagement, and national service, I struggled to define my "work identity". I got a job with a contract temp agency in DC working with NGOs.

  • 6.

    An opportunity arose to join the American Cancer Society as an event planner, and a long time volunteer role turned into a job. I grew with this role, building experience and a resume.

  • 7.

    An unexpected layoff forced me to evaluate what I loved and did not love from my previous roles. I was able to articulate my strengths, prove my value and understand how diverse work experience sync.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    You get too caught in the weeds.

  • How I responded:

    There are pros and cons to every type of workplace characteristic. I may occasionally get caught up in the tiny details, but it helps me to process through every possible outcome so that my members (or donors, volunteers, event guests, etc.) have the best possible experience when I am leading. You can learn to make every "negative" a foundation for a future strength. Walk through new habits and processes to guide your work so you can overcome digging through those weeds!