Kontoor’s DEI intern, Keira Moore, explains how her multifaceted identity influenced her internship experience

Keira Moore is someone you won't forget. In addition to her graceful presence and incredible sense of fashion, Keira is a captivating conversationalist. As a first-generation college student, a former student-athlete, a Ph.D. candidate, and a woman of color, Keira has lived life to the fullest during her 27 years. This summer, she joined Kontoor Brands for an internship in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion—the first of its kind offered by the company. Yet, this didn't feel daunting to Keira, whose unbreakable authenticity and leadership have left their imprint on Kontoor Brands.

What do you do at Kontoor?

“I am the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion intern here at Kontoor. We have a small team since it is a newer department, so we have been sort of navigating the space together. I have been working on planning and executing different in-person events that will be a space for employees to feel welcomed and celebrated. I think employees have enjoyed having a space allotted for them to come and chit chat and feel heard.”??

How did your experience as a student-athlete prepare you for the work world??

“Being a student-athlete has put me in many diverse environments, which has taught me how to navigate a space that I’m uncomfortable with and [to] be able to communicate with all types of people. I also learned how to manage my time and organize my life in a way that works for me. At the same time, just like in volleyball, you have to be flexible and adjust to any scenario life hands you.”?

How do you think your work as a Ph.D. student has benefitted you in this position??

“I am a first-generation college student. I graduated from undergrad [within] three years. Got my master's [in] textiles and then thought, I might as well follow through and get my Ph.D. since I made it this far. I have been in an academic setting for most of my life, so this position has given me a chance to take my theoretical mindset and apply it [to] a corporate lens, which has been challenging but very beneficial.”?

What has surprised you most about this internship experience??

“Honestly, I was surprised [at] how friendly everyone in the corporate office is. I have never been in a corporate space before, so I had no idea what it was going to be like. Everyone has been so welcoming, and it has been amazing to connect with everyone at the DEI events."?

What was your dream job growing up??

“I was valedictorian for my elementary school, [and] I remember I had to give a speech and I said I wanted to be a doctor. Technically I will be a doctor, just a different kind. Now, I would really like to go into consumer insights through a DEI lens [to be able] to view all consumers' identities and how that impacts their shopping behaviors to forecast what trends they want to be a part of.??

What changes would you like to see in the coming years regarding diversity, equity and inclusion?

“I think DEI is a very tricky space to navigate, but I think authenticity is extremely important. Especially after 2020, DEI movements can feel performative or reactionary instead of thought out. As a Black woman in white-dominated spaces, it is important to me that they are authentic and really align with the culture of the company. Change isn’t linear. I don’t expect any company to be perfect right now by any means. Most companies are taking the initiative to focus on DEI and implement it into their departments, but I think we need to make sure this is real and isn’t just a trend for now.”?

How would you describe your personal style??

“I would say my style is classic, minimal, and neutral. I think I’m a little edgy too, I like one-shoulder pieces and pieces with cutouts, very minimal but with a little edge. I have always loved Lee Jeans. I’m very tall so they were some of the only jeans that fit me well, but they also [looked] cool. I remember there being sort of a buzz around Lee, and I begged my mom for a pair. I feel the most confident in denim—I’m not a dress girl and I don’t love skirts, but I feel good in a nice pair of jeans."?

Article by Abigail Fox, Nana Ogburn // Photos by Nana Ogburn