Alumni Profile: Kira Kerkorian

Her experiences as a JustWorld Ambassador inspired her journey to philanthropy.

JustWorld International Ambassadors Kira Kerkorian (center) and Andre Mershad (left) at Los Patojos (now El Patojismo) in Guatemala with a student. Photo courtesy of Kira Kerkorian

Kira Kerkorian will never forget her first time visiting Guatemala as a JustWorld Ambassador. The 2015 trip to El Patojismo, the school and medical clinic founded by Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes, impacted her life trajectory.

“Having lived experience of doing good in the community was positively impactful,” Kira, 26, said. “The trip is actually what made me want to work in the nonprofit sector as a career.”

With the goal of helping the disadvantaged on a systemic level, Kira attended the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned a bachelor's degree in public affairs––an umbrella for public policy, urban planning and social welfare––in 2021. 

“I have been lucky to intern at some great organizations,” Kira said. “I have been honing skills to raise funds for nonprofits.”

Kira Kerkorian’s passion for philanthropy led her to earn a public affairs degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of Kira Kerkorian

Kira went on to earn a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership at the University of Pennsylvania and is currently working toward another master’s degree in public administration at New York University. 

“My short-term goal is to complete my master’s and work with organizations to grow my skills as a fundraiser,” Kira said. “My long-term goal is to have my own foundation, providing educational opportunities in underserved communities. I also want to consult nonprofits to optimize social impact initiatives. Additionally, I would love to get back to riding and competing.” 

While Kira’s Guatemala trip may have inspired her professional pursuits, she learned the value of education and philanthropy from her parents. She’s worked diligently to balance her academic, humanitarian and equestrian pursuits. 

“I’ve completed a lot of homework in planes, trains, and between rounds at horse shows,” Kira said. “It can be tough to juggle friends, family, the equestrian side of things, and life in general. Being organized and regulating stress are important skills for me. I live by my Google Calendar and try to meditate most days.” 

Horses have been a big part of Kira’s life since age three, when she attended a birthday party that featured pony rides. She found a passion in show jumping and competed up to the CSI3* level before taking a step back from international sport in 2017. Kira’s love of horses and philanthropy led her to JustWorld International in 2012. 

“I naturally gravitated towards an organization that combines my favorite things,” Kira said. “I remember specifically being really impressed by [JustWorld’s] projects. I found their [Guatemala] initiative to be a wonderfully positive contribution to the space.”

Kira Kerkorian competing atop her own NightFire 25 in Wellington, Florida. Photo courtesy of Kira Kerkorian

One of Kira’s most memorable contributions as a JustWorld Ambassador was participating in the 2014 JustWorld Ambassador Challenge, which raised over $15,000 for the children JustWorld supports. 

“The Ambassador Team Challenge was special to me,” Kira said. “The challenge brought together a team of Ambassadors working to raise money for their particular projects. The value of good teamwork shone through; we supported each other towards good-spirited goals.”

To the equestrians interested in giving back to their communities, Kira recommends getting involved in a way that feels most organic and impactful to you.

“Get involved in whichever way you find joyful,” Kira said. “No donation or volunteer effort is too small. Get curious and reach out to people and organizations. Subscribe to mailing lists and follow Instagram accounts. The equestrian community is a unique network of passionate people. JustWorld is a great resource.”

Kira appreciates the direct impact she’s witnessed as a result of JustWorld’s efforts. “I have seen firsthand the smiles JustWorld generates in the world; these are moments I won’t ever forget,” she said. “The money you are raising is used well in service of real change. And your time would be well spent joining with JustWorld for charitable works.” 

If you’d also like to experience the difference you can make as an Ambassador–and maybe change your life as well–sign up today to join us.