A Passion for Many Missions

KD Hall launched her own eponymous communications firm. Two years later, she founded the KD Hall Foundation, a nonprofit that offers educations and workforce preparation and workshops for women and girls.

She is also a four-time Emmy nominee who has produced several short films and a 10-episode television talk show series. She was recently appointed to the Board of Governance of the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The Seattle Storm honored her as part of their Believe in Women campaign. In March, she took on a new job as director of communications and marketing of King County Library System.

Hall and her partner, David Hall, have two children: KaKela Hall Jr. and Chase Hall.

LEADERSHIP

The most important quality a leader can possess is the ability to lead from any position — from the front, the back, or the side — and to empower those they lead to take the reins when necessary. I’ve found that the best leaders are those who are adaptable, flexible, and can adjust to the changing needs of their team or organization. They understand that leadership is not about exerting control or authority but about fostering a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration.

OVERRATED TRAITS

When I was appointed to open a campus location for the University of Phoenix in the Tri-Cities at the age of 25, it was my first real exposure to leadership that was being measured. This experience taught me a valuable lesson in leadership: that I needed to hold my team to the same level of excellence that I held myself to. However, I also realized that I needed to better understand how to motivate each of my team members as individuals. To achieve this, I created a sheet called “All About You,” which helped me learn more about what motivated each team member.

PROMINENCE

For women to succeed and thrive in their careers and lives, they must prioritize investing in themselves and their strengths. This means dedicating themselves to becoming experts in their field by putting in countless hours of hard work and focused effort. But becoming an expert is just the first step. Women must build a strong network of peers and mentors willing to invest in their development to excel truly. These relationships can provide invaluable support and growth opportunities.

INSPIRATION

Numerous women continually inspire me, but one particular woman has left an indelible mark on me — Regina Malveaux, during her tenure as the director of the Washington State Women’s Commission. What makes Regina stand out is her remarkable ability to meet people where they are, regardless of their background or circumstances.

ADVICE

To succeed in life and achieve your goals, you must be willing to take risks, be true to yourself, and be unafraid to stand up for what you believe in. That means being bold, fierce, embracing your unique strengths and talents, and compassionate and empathetic when the situation calls for it. But amidst all of this, one thing should always remain constant: your commitment to operating with integrity.

NETWORKING

Networking is a crucial aspect of achieving success in any endeavor. It’s not just about who you know but how you build and nurture those relationships over time. Before attending any networking event, creating a plan for how you will approach the opportunity is crucial. Ask yourself: Why am I here? Who else is here, and how might I connect with them? Are there any potential connectivity points that I can leverage?

DO DIFFERENTLY

Early on, I struggled with the desire to save everyone and take on more than I could realistically handle. But I’ve come to realize that not everyone is my assignment, and that I need to prioritize my own well-being and growth.

UNWIND

For me, taking a walk in nature is one of the best ways to recharge my batteries and find inspiration in the world around me. But when I’m not exploring the outdoors, you might find me at my daughter’s gymnastics practice or on a weekly date night with my husband of 16 years.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY TITLE

“The Rose That Grew From the Concrete” is a powerful metaphor for my personal journey. I am proud to share that despite a rocky start as a college graduate with a criminal record, I have managed to turn my life around.