Kiran Katira
Kiran Katira
Director of the Community Engagement Center
Kiran Katira is the Director of the Community Engagement Center at the University of New Mexico. Her work focuses on developing anti-racist leadership, strengthening community partnerships, and creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service and civic action. Through collaboration with community organizations across New Mexico, she helps foster learning experiences that connect students, communities, and social change.
Kiran Katira serves as Director of the Community Engagement Center (CEC) at the University of New Mexico. Through her leadership, the CEC works to develop anti-racist leadership, support community-based learning, and create pathways for students to engage with nonprofit organizations and community partners throughout New Mexico.
Born in Kenya, raised in England, and of Indian ancestry, Kiran brings a global perspective to her work and a deep appreciation for the diverse experiences and knowledge that communities bring. Her research and practice focus on community engagement, leadership development, social justice, and building authentic partnerships between universities and communities.
Throughout her career, Kiran has worked alongside students, educators, nonprofit leaders, and community organizations to create opportunities for learning, service, and collective action. Her work emphasizes listening to communities, valuing community knowledge, and helping students discover purpose through meaningful engagement.
In this Staff Spotlight, Kiran reflects on the experiences that shaped her commitment to community engagement, the role of anti-racist leadership in higher education, and her vision for building stronger relationships between universities and the communities they serve.
