We’re Excited to Announce Our Next Guest! Episode 015 of the Dear BLK ED Podcast: “The Currency of Liberation: Redirecting Resources. Reshaping Systems. Reclaiming Control.” with Kieta Iriarte will be available on Spotify on June 24!
About Kieta Iriarte:
Kieta Iriarte stands as a powerful force at the intersection of Black economic liberation and community self-determination. As the Founder of Bmore Empowered, she directs resources toward community-driven initiatives while building coalitions that amplify collective impact. A Baltimore-based strategist with over 18 years in the trenches of nonprofit leadership, she has redirected more than $300 million in resources toward creating sustainable Black futures. Following in the revolutionary footsteps of Assata Shakur and Angela Davis, Kieta's work transcends traditional nonprofit management—she is building infrastructure for Black self-determination through fiscal strategy and organizational power.
As founder of Mpolo Business Solutions, Kieta operates with a clear vision: creating economic and social stability through Black-controlled resources and Black-defined success metrics. Her philosophy rejects performative inclusion in favor of authentic community control. She champions women's leadership in movement spaces, deliberately countering the historical sexism that has marginalized Black women's contributions to liberation work.
Holding a master's degree in Nonprofit Management with a concentration in Women's Studies from Towson University and an advanced certificate from Georgetown University, Kieta brings formidable academic credentials to grassroots strategy. Yet her true expertise comes from standing shoulder to shoulder with Baltimore communities, particularly with women and girls of color who know her affectionately as "Mama Kieta."
Her legacy-building approach is rooted in revolutionary principles of liberation. Kieta has administered over $300 million in federal, state, and private funding, redirecting these resources toward community-defined priorities and ensuring fiscal sovereignty remains in Black hands. She advocates for complete organizational autonomy rather than dependency relationships with predominantly white institutions.
Through Bmore Empowered Inc., Kieta cultivates "Black Girl Brilliance" by equipping young women with entrepreneurship skills and mindfulness practices—tools for defining their own futures outside of oppressive systems. Her technical assistance has strengthened over 50 Baltimore-based organizations, building infrastructure for sustained community power.
Recognizing that economic resilience is a form of protection, Kieta's grant management expertise serves as a shield against institutional exploitation. She fortifies community organizations with robust fiscal management systems designed to protect resources and maintain independence.
Kieta creates unapologetically Black spaces where innovation thrives without the constraints of white-centered expectations. Her revolutionary approach to nonprofit leadership transforms organizations into vehicles for community liberation and economic sovereignty.
What to Expect:
Inspirational Stories: Hear from seasoned leaders and emerging voices, sharing their journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Expert Insights: Gain valuable advice and perspectives from industry experts and thought leaders in the non-profit sector.
Community Connection: Feel the pulse of a vibrant community, fostering collaboration, support, and shared growth.
This episode is about power, who holds it, who’s funding it, and how we reclaim it. We’re talking about Black economic liberation, fiscal sovereignty, and the radical act of resourcing our communities on our own terms.
Explore Past Episodes Here: Dear BLK ED on Spotify!