Kiara (KJ) Stewart
Senior Manager of Research & Evaluation
Kiara, known to many as KJ, is an educator at her core and a lifelong learner committed to growth, equity, and excellence. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she is a proud graduate of the illustrious Southern University and A&M College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology. Her passion for understanding how people learn and how systems shape educational outcomes led her to pursue graduate studies in Educational Leadership and Management at Roehampton University in London, England. There, she deepened her knowledge of school leadership, organisational development, and data-driven decision-making.
KJ began her professional journey teaching secondary-level science, where she quickly became known for her ability to inspire curiosity, build strong relationships, and use evidence-based strategies to support student success. Her leadership skills propelled her into roles as a K–12 educator, Vice Principal, and Science Team Lead, where she oversaw curriculum planning, teacher coaching, and campus culture initiatives. In each position, data played a central role in her approach to informing instruction, shaping interventions, and ensuring student growth aligned with both academic standards and schoolwide goals. Her commitment to using data not just to measure progress but to drive meaningful change is a defining feature of her work.
As Generation Hope’s first Sr. Evaluation and Research Manager, KJ brings this expertise to a national stage. In this role, she leads efforts to collect, analyse, and interpret data that inform program strategy, policy advocacy, and organisational learning. She ensures that program models are grounded in evidence, that outcomes are measured accurately, and that insights are translated into actionable improvements benefiting scholars across the country. Her work involves designing evaluation frameworks, managing research partnerships, and elevating the voices and experiences of young parents and their families through data storytelling. Through this role, KJ continues her mission of advancing opportunities for scholars by ensuring that decisions, from the classroom to the national level, are guided by thoughtful, rigorous, and equitable research.
Quote:
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair” — Shirley Chisholm