By day, Kiran Reddy is general counsel and a data privacy officer. By night, she runs her own law firm. Most would call that a full life. Yet, beyond her professional roles, she is a single mother and an active volunteer in Kansas City. Her service work ranges from lung health advocacy, to prison reform, and access to vision care.
Despite juggling more than most would be willing to shoulder, Kiran is driven to volunteerism by a sense of purpose. In the quiet times when her young son is away from home, she finds peace and fulfillment in her causes. “I just feel like when I don’t have that, it makes me feel lost,” she said.
Kiran’s commitment to service is something her late father, Santosh Reddy, passed down. He was an immigrant, pharmacist, and business owner who made time for community leadership. “He loved the community, and everything it represented,” Kiran said. “I think because he was an immigrant, he wanted to give back to the community that welcomed him.”
In 1985, he became one of the founding members of the Olathe Noon Lions Club. Kiran recalled volunteering with him as a child. “As an entrepreneur, you don’t get much free time, and so it was special that he would have every Wednesday dedicated to community service,” she said. “On Saturdays, I would go with him to places he would volunteer, and that was our bonding time.”
Santosh was an avid runner who later died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a disease with no known cure. Kiran now raises funds and awareness through the American Lung Association’s Fight for Air Climb. “He always knew how important each breath is,” she said. “I see a lot of people who have unfortunately lost their loved ones to some sort of lung disease, and the work the American Lung Association does is a great way to start with raising money to help build awareness of various diseases.” Along with the Fight for Air Climb, Kiran gives her time throughout the year to support the American Lung Association. Those who work alongside her describe her as a “friend-raiser” as much as a fundraiser, someone who connects people to a cause through relationships and persistence.
Another central focus of Kiran’s service is helping incarcerated women find a second chance. In 2015, she visited the Topeka Correctional Facility as part of a program run by Reaching Out From Within. “That night changed my life,” she said. “We are all human and all humans deserve dignity. Most of the incarcerated women I’ve met are there due to domestic violence, upbringing, and relationships.” Society often places a label on them, but Kiran believes changing public perception can build the awareness and support needed to improve their chances of success after release.
In addition to serving as a board officer and fundraiser for Reaching Out From Within, Kiran’s efforts have helped conceptualize and organize the Courage to Change Symposium. The event was designed to shine a light on prison reform topics like rehabilitation, reentry, and restorative justice. Jason Miles, board treasurer at Reaching Out From Within, said, “Kiran’s leadership, strategic mind, and hands-on involvement have made an impact in deepening the group’s mission. Whether advocating for social change, mentoring others, or driving initiatives to help underserved populations, Kiki has proven herself to be a tireless champion for those often overlooked by society,” he said.
Despite an impressive résumé and an ability to manage many roles, Kiran is open about not having everything figured out. “I’m still learning,” she said. “Before I became a single mom, I always had a plan: the three-year plan, the five-year plan. Today, my plans have gone out the window, and I just live for each day.”
Looking ahead, Kiran links her hopes for impact back to the example set by her father. “I want the same impact my dad had,” she said. “And that is being somebody true to his word, and to be someone in the community who can be leaned on. If somebody needs something, I would love to be that person and carry on his legacy.”
As Kiran continues to live out her father’s legacy of service and community support, receiving the Rising Star award carries an even greater meaning for her. “I am still very humbled and surprised that I got this award,” she said. “It means so much to me because when you do these things from your heart, you’re not looking for recognition. It felt really nice, and it made me feel like I am on the right path.”
The award has given Kiran a chance to reflect on her past contributions, many of which she rarely pauses to acknowledge. Beyond that, it gives her four-year-old something he can look back on. One day in the future, he can look at a record of his mother’s work, and she can explain it to him with pride.
Colleagues and community leaders sing her praises. Colleague, Marjorie Adair, said, “Kiran is a visionary leader who inspires change and empowers others to reach their full potential.” CiCi Rojas, who worked with her in founding the Heartland Women’s Leadership Council, praised her as a woman who opens doors for others while modeling resilience herself. The chorus of praise for her is extensive.
To friends, peers, and community partners, Kiran’s Rising Star recognition is less a surprise than a confirmation of what they have long known, that she is a steady force for progress in Kansas City.
Featured in the October 18, 2025 issue of The Independent
By: Monica V. Reynolds
Photo Credit: Tom Styrkowicz
