Kiara Mickens

Her family set the example. Now she’s raising the bar.

Born into a highly artistic, close-knit, and charitable family, Kiara Mickens is grateful for the example that has been set for her. She is especially appreciative that her mother instilled in her a love of the arts, dance, and cheerleading, the value of hard work, the importance of a good attitude, and a strong desire to win. Kiara has taken those attributes and used them to pursue successes not only in the classroom and as a competitive cheerleader, but also in all aspects of her life.

For one thing, Kiara has turned her creativity and talents into a small business. In her basement studio, known as Kiara’s Corner, she makes and sells clothing and cheer bows. She uses her skills to inform and benefit others as well. She has written on important topics including tolerance and Black Lives Matter, and her pieces have earned regional and national writing awards from The Boston Globe. Closer to home, she and her twin sister created a non-profit cheer and arts program to provide training in cheerleading, dance, theater, and music to hundreds of at-risk youth in their community.

Recently, the United Cheer Association donated a portion of its proceeds to Kiara’s program when Kiara won the title of All-American Varsity Cheerleader. Along with this prestigious designation, Kiara has been invited to cheer and compete internationally in the London Varsity Spirit Cheer Tour at the end of the year. With much to cheer about, Kiara is dedicated to using her talents to continue reaching her own goals while helping others in her community reach theirs.