Kiona Sinks

Kiona Sinks grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and with the inspiration of her grandmother, was focused on being a change for the next generation, focusing on community engagement and civic innovation.

This started at Central Methodist University, where she founded the inaugural African American Student Union (AASU). The AASU’s mission is to promote positive images of African Americans and to stimulate the cultural, intellectual, and social growth of all CMU students, faculty, and staff.

Kiona joined the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) on its 30th anniversary, and she hit the ground running. Kiona oversees the museum’s Community Partnerships and Marketing. She takes great pride in her work, giving voice to a once-forgotten chapter of baseball and American history.

NLBM is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. The privately funded, 501 c3, not-for-profit organization was incorporated in 1990 and is located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri’s Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. The NLBM operates two blocks from the Paseo YMCA, where Andrew “Rube” Foster established the Negro National League in 1920.

Kiona and the NLBM recently launched Coffee with Champions, a new series allowing Emerging Leaders to hear panelists share their perspectives on creating a winning culture, leadership, and more.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business program selected Kiona as the recipient of the 2020 Gold Stevie Award for “Multicultural Communications Campaign of the Year.” On August 10th, 2021, Kiona received the honor of sitting in the Buck O’Neil Legacy seat at the Royals Stadium.  

Kiona also founded Elevate Consulting in 2019 to support client diversity and inclusion needs by helping the current workforce prepare for the next generation while educating and addressing the generational gap in between. In addition, Kiona is a speaker and conducts conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Unsurprisingly, Kiona is heavily involved within the KC community, sitting on several boards, including the Emerging Leaders Board for Kansas City Sports Commission & Foundation; she is the President of the Emerging Leaders Board for Band of Angels,  is on the Communication & Engagement Committee for KC Rising, and was previously Founder Of Black Excellence KC and served on Central Exchange Board of Directors.

Given all Kiona has accomplished in her short time in KC, I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her, and I am excited to help support her journey.

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum website to learn more.

Website: www.nlbm.com