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Rejection, Hardship and Triumph Taught Lifelong Resilience and Purpose: Meet Kiera O'Shea, JD and Soon-to-Be, PhD
In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Kiera O'Shea, a passionate advocate and changemaker who has dedicated her career to empowering her community.
What is your personal and professional journey?
I remember standing in a Toys "R" Us aisle with my dad when I was about 8 years old, waiting for a clerk to bring us a Black baby doll. It was the late 1980s, and while I didn’t realize it at the time, this moment became a powerful symbol of my journey. It served as an early lesson in resilience and self-efficacy—a reminder that, as a Black person, I might have to wait and advocate to see myself reflected in the world. Instead of finding a doll that looked like me on the shelf, we had to request it.
Growing up, I watched my mother, and aunts work tirelessly to build a community that ensured my cousins and I were cared for. I often wonder if they dreamed of more for themselves but were constrained by the systemic barriers that many in our communities faced. Their sacrifices instilled in me a drive to dream bigger, work harder, and advocate for change.
My journey has been shaped by resilience, determination, and a commitment to equity. My father, the eldest of five boys and the first in his family to earn a college degree, set the foundation. Before his passing earlier this year, he told me I had exceeded his expectations—a moment that continues to inspire me. His mantra to me growing up was, “No boyfriends until you finish four years of college.” Since then, I’ve earned an MLIS, an MS in English Education, and a Juris Doctor, and I’m now at the beginning stages to start my dissertation as a doctoral candidate.
My upbringing opened my eyes to the injustice and disenfranchisement faced by people who look like me. These experiences fueled my passion for education and advocacy, particularly for Black children and women. Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to addressing equity through teaching, mentoring, and recently research. My focus has been on fostering self-efficacy and dismantling systemic barriers, from exploring the information behavior of Black women to tackling the school-to-prison pipeline.
My journey is a testament to the transformative power of education, community, and perseverance. I’m committed to creating opportunities for marginalized communities and ensuring that the next generation can dream bigger and achieve more.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
A pivotal experience that shaped my path began over 20 years ago when I started writing letters to a former classmate who had been sentenced to prison for a long time around the same time I graduated with my undergraduate degree. I sent him worksheets, marked up his letters with corrections, and encouraged him to obtain his GED. Through his letters and those of his fellow inmates, I heard their stories—journeys defined by systemic barriers. They all lacked exposure, mentorship, and opportunities that could have changed their trajectories.
Years ago, a family member asked me, “How did you manage to leave your environment and do better than others?” My answer is exposure. I sought mentorship and gravitated toward educators who nurtured their students. These influences, along with a series of life-shaping experiences, have defined my journey: joining the military at 18, running track and marching in the band in both high school and college, joining sororities, and navigating countless personal and professional failures. Every rejection, hardship, and triumph has taught me resilience and purpose.
When reflecting on whether I’ve truly done “better,” I realize I’ve faced many of the same challenges as those I’ve sought to help. The difference lies in my focus—choosing to appreciate the golden moments and view failures as necessary fuel for growth. These experiences inspire my dissertation research on the information behavior of Black, single mothers with terminal degrees and drive my commitment to education as a tool for social change. My journey is proof that mentorship, exposure, and perseverance can transform lives, even in the face of systemic adversity.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned about yourself through your life and career?
The most valuable lessons I've learned are patience, adaptability, and the importance of perseverance. Life, both personally and professionally, is filled with unexpected challenges, and I've learned that resilience isn't about avoiding obstacles but facing them head-on. I’ve also learned to embrace my role as an advocate for others, particularly in the field of education. I’ve learned the power of my voice and the importance of creating spaces where others feel heard, valued, and empowered to make a difference.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My drive to contribute stems from my personal experiences and my passion for social justice. As a mother, educator, and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how systems can disadvantage people, especially Black women and children. I am committed to changing those systems through education, mentorship, and by empowering others to advocate for themselves. I believe in the transformative power of education, and I am driven by the opportunity to help individuals navigate their own journeys toward success, particularly those from marginalized communities.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
We have all heard the mantra, “life’s a marathon,” but it finally clicked a few years ago. I would advise my younger self to trust my journey and be patient with the process. I often felt the need to rush through life and achieve everything at once. Now, I understand the importance of the process—of growth, learning, and experiencing both the ups and downs of life. I would also encourage myself to embrace my voice sooner and trust in my ability to make a meaningful impact. Finally, I’d remind myself that it’s okay to ask for help, as no one achieves greatness alone.
How can GlobalMindED support your aspirations and help you achieve your goals?
GlobalMindED can support my aspirations by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about social justice and education. By connecting with others in the field, I can learn from their experiences, gain new insights, and collaborate on projects that align with my goals of improving educational outcomes for Black women and children. They can also assist me with being able to mentor and guide others by sharing my experiences. Through GlobalMindED’s resources, I hope to continue to expand my professional network and find opportunities to share my work and research, helping to amplify the voices of Black women in academia and beyond.
You can meet Kiera this June at the GlobalMIndED 2025 Confernece as she is one of the featured speakers in the Idea Cafe.
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