Faculty
Instructor is Executive Director of A Step to Freedom
“I love teaching at FIDM because I am so inspired by the genius of my future designers and entrepreneurs. The students give me fresh new ideas but to witness their flame’s spark is priceless.”
Los Angeles native Kenya Kirkland is actively building a legacy as a community leader through her roles as the Executive Director of A Step to Freedom, her contributions to the local fashion industry and through Public Speaking.
Education and fashion design have been monumental in her career. She studied Marketing and has a BA in Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. Her love for fashion drove her to complete the Merchandise Product Development program at FIDM where she currently lends her industry knowledge as professor, teaching both Product Development and Fashion Start-ups.
Kirkland has made giving back a part of her life's mission. Through her nonprofit, A Step to Freedom, she has committed to serving homeless individuals in African American communities across the U.S. ASF provides interim housing in Los Angeles County in partnership with the Office of Diversion and Reentry to men and women who are justice involved, and battle mental illness.
In addition to housing, A Step to Freedom has garnered the support of individuals nationally by hosting its anchor event, Warm the Streets in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and North Carolina. In 2019, the campaign provided over 3,000 blankets to individuals living in encampments and in cars across the nation.
This year, Ms. Kirkland was recognized by Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas and the Empowerment Congress as one of Los Angeles’ Top 40 Under 40.
As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kirkland sits as the Social Action Co-Chair of the Inglewood Alumnae Chapter.
Lastly, the mommy mogul is all about the empowerment of women! She expresses her love and support of women of all sizes, ages, and races through her designs. Her collection is designed as a celebration of women with curves. Kirkland's message of empowerment and overcoming adversity is shared through styling, speaking, and business mentorship.
Kenya Kirkland is an Outstanding Faculty Award Winner, an award given by the student body to outstanding faculty members.
Categories: Merchandise Product Development Faculty
