Neda Kikhia

Neda is a passionate Colorado local dedicated to community engagement and its potential to drive sustainable change. With a diverse background spanning youth leadership programs, higher education, and training and facilitation, she brings a wealth of experience to her work. Trained in Community Organizing and Sustained Dialogue, Neda actively seeks opportunities to elevate voices and stories that inspire action.

As a professional facilitator, Neda creates dynamic spaces for individuals to share their stories and engage in meaningful conversations. She believes in the transformative power of our lived experiences and sees well-facilitated dialogues as opportunities for creativity and expanded worldviews.

Currently, Neda serves as the Access & Cultural Innovation Program Manager at CIRES. In this role, she focuses on the strategic direction and implementation of programs like Science Pathways Programs, aiming to make conversations, resources, and spaces more accessible and relevant to all community members.

Neda holds a double major in Communication Studies and Religious Studies from the University of Denver, where she also earned her Master's in Communication Studies. Throughout her academic journey, she worked in college access and youth leadership programs with a focus on social and environmental justice. She firmly believes in the power of youth voices and their critical role in social movements.

Most recently, Neda joined CIRES after serving as the Outreach Program Manager & Career Advisor in CU's Career Services. During her time at CU Career Services, Neda led an Outreach Team focused on strategic direction and implementation of career outreach and programming for all non-academic departments and student groups at CU. Her efforts focused on making career conversations, resources, and spaces more accessible and relevant to students through various career development initiatives.

Neda's professional journey also includes managing the University of Denver's DU DialogUes program, which provided opportunities for positive interaction across difference with campus and community partners. Additionally, she has worked in Community Outreach with Philanthropiece, focusing on Immigrant Rights, Climate Justice, and Indigenous Rights. Neda has also coordinated events and outreach at the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, supporting immigrants and refugees through intercultural programs and services.

Outside of her professional life, Neda is an avid podcast listener, travel enthusiast, and spoken word fanatic. Reach out to collaborate and learn more about her work!