Kyla Thorpe, MA

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 9543973251

Biography

Kyla Thorpe
Executive. Author. Lifestyle Brand.

See My E-Book

Heritage and Humble Beginnings
Born in the birthplace of Jazz to parents that were medical interns at New Orleans’ Tulane
School of Medicine at the time, Kyla Ariana Thorpe came into this world as a vintage soul with a
rhythm all her own. Raised in Miami, Florida, Kyla went on to study at the esteemed University
of Miami where she received a Bachelor of Science in Communication in Public Relations, with
minors in Journalism and Entrepreneurship, as well as a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with
an emphasis in Sociology; degrees that would serve as the foundation for her multiple career
paths which includes her most recent roles as Vice President Chief Operating Officer at the
Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, (FSCDR).

The Rise and Glow Up
Kyla meticulously prepared for her desired future by studying and learning valuable intercultural
communication skills. In addition to her degrees from University of Miami, her education also
includes the art and business of fashion from the American University of Paris, as well as
international communications from media company Fiera Milano Media in Milan. Immersing
herself in other cultures has helped Kyla develop a deeper understanding of the global humanity
that she cherishes. She now works in the compassionate spaces of healthcare and wellness
with a unique creative spirit and worldly mentality, positioning herself to deliver world-class,
comprehensive healthcare to underserved populations.

Just the Beginning
Often dubbed “The Youngest in Charge” by peers, Kyla’s healthcare champion light and energy
are felt whether among close friends, or while addressing a crowd of hundreds at the
foundation’s annual Symposium. She is a shining example of what young leadership looks like
today, at ease while engaging lobbyists or prominent pharmaceutical executives, while also
effective at persuading and influencing high-ranking individuals. Her perspective is highly
valued; people trust and respect her judgments and for good reasons. She has researched the
intricacies of emerging healthcare markets, global natural resources, and the gaps and
inequities in comprehensive sickle cell disease care. At FSCDR, Kyla’s work is integral in
shaping the organization’s daily operations and mission. She states, “while my mom has had
the vision for her company, I am an essential part in much of the execution of things she needs
to complete, helping to find and put together a great team and finding the best technology
options to meet company goals.” Kyla ensures that major company processes are optimized for
profitability and productivity.

What’s Next?
From 2017 to 2022, Kyla has helped FSCDR increase efficiency and profits, while giving herself
more free time and less stress as she intentionally prioritizes her own wellness and self-care.
She shares her leadership gems for work/life balance through her newly released e-book “Do It
All Without Actually Doing It All,” which is also reflective of Kyla’s mission to help women
harmonize their life and work.

Kyla is currently pursuing her Global Executive MBA from University of Miami’s Herbert
Business School, in addition to remaining an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc
and executive member of the Ellevate Network. When she’s not busy “doing it all,” Kyla is
expanding her harmonious lifestyle brand KatGold.

Experience

  • Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
    Vice President
    August 2022 – Present
    Hollywood, Florida
  • Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
    Chief Operating Officer
    Dec 2019 – Present
    Hollywood, Florida
  • Communications Director
    May 2017 – Dec 2019
    Hollywood, Florida
    Oversees all official organization communication and maintains brand consistency
  • Public Relations & Design Specialist
    Aug 2016 – May 2017
    Hollywood, FL
  • Attendee
    Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
    Jun 2017
    Cannes Area, France
    Expanded my creative consciousness
  • Public Relations Intern
    Durée & Company
    May 2016 – Jun 2016
    Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area
    Developed social media content for clients for upcoming holidays, handled a budget for a grand opening event, clipped for media, posted events to calendars and created a business card for a client.
  • Communications Intern
    Fiera Milano Media
    Jun 2015 – Jul 2015
    Milano, Italy
    Created a social media plan to revitalize the company’s Twitter and LinkedIn pages. Posted daily articles to Reurope, a real estate magazine under the company. Most importantly, learned valuable intercultural communication skills with through interaction with the Italian culture as well as many others (Milan was the host for Expo 2015).
  • Public Relations Intern
    Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research
    Jan 2014 – May 2015
    Hollywood, FL
    Assisted in writing sponsorships, conducted interviews with nationally acclaimed doctors and wrote press releases and outreach letters to build the foundation’s community base.
  • Sales Representative
    Vector Marketing
    May 2014 – Sep 2014
    Hollywood, FL
    Sold $10,000 worth of merchandise and reached 3 promotions in two months through daily sales presentations.
  • Assistant
    Jeanne C. Wood, Esq.
    Jun 2012 – Jun 2013
    Pembroke Pines, FL
    Helped edit case decisions and performed office tasks such as: filing paperwork, creating invoices and keeping the case docket system up to date.

Education

  • University of Miami
    Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
  • University of Miami
    Bachelor of Science in Communication, Public Relations/Image Management
    Activities and Societies: PRSSA Eclipse Fashion Society
    Minors in journalism and entrepreneurship
  • The American University of Paris
    Fashion
    Took a class in summer 2014 called Paris Fashion: History and Contemporary Practice. Learned about the art and business of fashion and visited integral Paris fashion locations like Chanel’s original shop and the boutiques around the Grand Palais.
  • University of Miami College of Arts & Sciences
    Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Licenses & certifications

  • Illustrator CC Essential Training
    Issuing authority Lynda.com
  • Developing Brand Identity Collateral
    Issuing authority Lynda.com
  • Designing with Grids in InDesign
    Issuing authority Lynda.com
  • Photoshop CC 2015 One-on-One: Fundamentals
    Issuing authority Lynda.com
  • Illustrator CC 2015 One-on-One: Fundamentals
    Issuing authority Lynda.com
  • InDesign CC Essential Training (2015)
    Issuing authority Lynda.com
  • Fashion PR Confidential – NYC Workshop series teaching the ins and outs of Fashion PR
    Issuing authority Danika Daly Public Relations