Hi, I'm Kiki
Hi, I'm Kiki
Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes is a visionary sports executive recognized for her transformative impact on collegiate athletics and her commitment to advancing leadership opportunities for women in sports. With a strategic vision & approach, she has revitalized athletic programs, provided invaluable consultancy to sports organizations nationwide, and opened pathways for future women leaders.
Kiki’s influence extends far beyond the field, as her expertise has been spotlighted by major media outlets including Essence Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Black Enterprise, the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, and TNT’s The Arena, where she appeared as a Title IX expert.
As the founder of the So You Want A Career in Athletics™ (SYWACIA) program, Kiki is deeply committed to empowering young women and strengthening the pipeline of female leaders in sports. Through this initiative, her & her team provide mentorship, career guidance, and leadership education, inspiring the next generation to break barriers and lead with purpose.
Dr. Barnes, a proud Minden, Louisiana native, earned her undergraduate and doctoral degrees from the University of New Orleans and her master’s from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She resides in New Orleans with her husband, Dr. Marc A. Barnes, and their two children, Caitlin and Marc Jr.
Discover how Kiki’s trailblazing path and dedication are shaping the future of sports & leadership.
My mission is simple: to elevate organizations, individuals, and emerging leaders by driving productivity, operational excellence & personal growth.
Through strategic guidance, mentorship, and a commitment to empowering women and future leaders, I strive to create impactful change in athletics and beyond.
Sports Executive & Innovator
Kiki has redefined leadership in sports, breaking barriers as the first African-American female commissioner in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) & the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Named 2019 NACDA Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year, her visionary approach has transformed athletic programs and created lasting opportunities for athletes and administrators alike. Kiki’s strategic insight and dedication to innovation make her a true force in the field of sports management.
Trailblazing Speaker & Visionary
As a sought-after speaker, Kiki inspires audiences with her journey of resilience & leadership in a male-dominated industry. With accolades such as the 2021 Nell Jackson Nike Executive of the Year, Kiki’s message resonates powerfully, encouraging organizations & individuals to embrace the challenges they face and rise above them. Her insights on leadership, faith, and determination position her as a visionary leader in the industry, who empowers others like YOU to break boundaries and drive positive change.
Renowned
& Champion for Growth
Through her writing, Kiki shares hard-won lessons from her life & career, showing readers how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. An acclaimed author, she encourages readers to embrace resilience and pursue success with integrity. Her writing reflects the strength and perseverance that have earned her national recognition and empowered countless individuals to embrace their unique paths.
Community Leader & Catalyst for
Deeply committed to her community, Kiki has earned honors like the 2018 Women of the Year from New Orleans City Business & the New Orleans Pelicans Black History Month Honoree. As a leader in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and a member of boards such as the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, she continually drives meaningful change and uplifts those around her. Her work stands as a testament to the power of community and her unwavering dedication to progress.
KIKI IN THE MEDIA
New Orleans Pelicans NBA Organization
NBC’S WDSU News
Passing the Torch: Kiki Elevates the Next Generation
In this Sports Illustrated feature, Kiki shares her journey of breaking barriers and her commitment to creating a pathway for the next generation of Black women in sports.
The Power of Representation: Kiki on FOX 8 News
Watch Kiki on FOX 8 for Women’s History Month, as she discusses why representation matters and the importance of fueling young minds for success.
Changing the Game: Kiki Leads a New Era for the GCAC
Discover how Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, the first full-time commissioner of the GCAC, is expanding opportunities & reshaping the future of collegiate sports for HBCUs.
Breaking Barriers: A Journey Empowered by Title IX
Because of Title IX, Kiki is a woman leader in college sports—a path made possible by opportunities that shaped not only her career, but also her purpose.
The Power of Grit: Kiki on Success Beyond Obstacles
Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes shares how grit & resilience have been essential to her journey, overcoming obstacles to build a legacy of leadership in collegiate sports.
Trailblazer Kiki Joins Final Four Panel with Sports Icons
Kiki joins an all-star panel, including Candace Parker and Tyrann Mathieu, to discuss the transformative impact of Title IX on its 50th anniversary during Final Four weekend.
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