Building durable community power isn't just about the numbers—it's about translating the lived experiences of communities into policy action

Organizing for a Sustainable and Equitable Future

tl:dr here's my resume

About Kiara

A woman with curly hair smiling outdoors, wearing a navy blue dress and hoop earrings, with green leafy background.

Hailing from Ohio - “the heart of it all,” I learned my deep sense of community and justice at an early age. Growing up on the Eastside of Columbus, which was once a thriving and diverse community, I saw firsthand the impacts of disinvestment through grocery store closures, crumbling infrastructure, and the exodus of longtime community members. It is through this experience that I learned the importance of equitable access to food, healthcare, and education, which are the cornerstones of a thriving community.

Throughout my personal and professional experience, I’ve learned that the most impactful solutions to the most daunting issues are sustainable only when they are community-led. That is why I believe in meeting people where they are with deep deference for the lived experiences of others. This value system has made me a collaborative leader and strategist who has worked to build community power at the intersection of policy and justice.

My work centers on translating community priorities into policy action. From managing multi-million dollar budgets to mobilizing thousands of voices for federal climate action, I specialize in building durable power with communities of color. I bridge the gap between national goals and on-the-ground organizing to ensure those most impacted by harmful policy are the ones leading the narrative for change".

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Leadership in Action

Four people participating in a virtual press conference. The woman in the top left is speaking, wearing glasses and a black and white jacket. The man in the top right has light brown hair, wearing a red shirt, and is looking at the camera. The man in the bottom left has a grey beard, wearing a blue cap, with a backdrop of a bridge and the Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance logo. The woman in the bottom right has long dark hair, wearing a grey shirt, and is looking at the camera. Text indicates they are discussing Ford's decision to cancel plans for an electric vehicle battery plant in Detroit.
A woman holding a young girl standing at a podium during a public event in a room with large windows and exposed brick walls, with people seated in front of her.
Four women standing together at a conference or summit, smiling for the camera. The background displays the words 'Poderosas Summit 2024' and words indicating a legislative theme, with an illustrated image of Capitol building.
Screenshot of a podcast episode titled 'ECO PODER PODCAST' featuring a woman with glasses, speaking about new environmental goals for the new year. The episode is titled 'S2 EP:1 New Year, New Environmental Goals' and is hosted by Kiara Rutherford, Action Climate Campaign Director of Partner Engagement.
City skyline with modern skyscrapers and green trees in the foreground, sunset lighting.
A panel of six women sitting at a long table on a stage, with one woman standing at a podium speaking into a microphone, at an indoor conference event. Audience members are seated in front.
Group of seven people dressed in formal attire standing on a red carpet with a blue backdrop featuring logos for the NAACP Image Awards, Toyota, and BET.
Two women standing at a podium during an outdoor event with the U.S. Capitol building in the background. One woman is reading from papers, and the other is speaking at the microphone. There is a banner with event details and a logo in the bottom right corner.
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