Today we’d like to introduce you to Kali Moore.
Kali, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I loved the water. I was first exposed to water at the age of 3 months and was swimming by the age of 2. One of my fondest memories was my first trip overseas. At 10 years old, my family spent a week in Cancun, Mexico. My Mom tells me the story about how she kept asking me to get out of the water. But clearly, I had other plans. She said, as soon as I’d get out of the pool, I’d head for the ocean. As soon as I’d got out of the ocean, I’d head back for the pool. That was the first and worst sunburn of my life!
The summer before my senior year of high school, I was a youth choir director for a church in my community. I remember needing gas money, in addition to planning for college. I started seeking additional employment opportunities where shortly after, I became a lifeguard at the Community Recreation Center.
Lifeguarding wasn’t just a job, to me. I’d earned a life skill and an opportunity to serve and connect with my community. I was eager to connect on a deeper level, so I earned my Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification. It is during this work where I discovered my passion for teaching and empowering people from all walks of life, thus, SwimWorks By Kali was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I started SwimWorks By Kali, I juggled being a full-time college student with working full-time for D.C. Parks and Recreation, Aquatics Division. From Atlanta to D.C., I observed the field I’d chosen, was particularly male-dominant. My managers (previously and currently) were all male. And when I was promoted to management, I was the only female on my team. It was never easy going against the grain, particularly choosing a career field that’s thought to be disproportionately male. But, what I have learned is that rather than being discouraged by the imbalance, I use the disparity as an incentive to achieve greatness.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into SwimWorks By Kali story. Tell us more about the business.
You’ll find that not only is SwimWorks By Kali an educational experience, but a wellness journey. According to a 2010 study commissioned by USA Swimming and conducted by the University of Memphis, 68.9 percent of African American children had “low to no swimming ability,” with a drowning rate that is 5.5 times higher than other ethnicities. To help bridge this gap, SwimWorks by Kali offers both private and group swim instruction. We also offer Lifeguarding and Hydrotherapy as part of our Wellness Initiative. These services are available to children of all ages as well as adults.
I love what I do! I am most proud of my business for its groundbreaking success. It’s not every day that you see an African American woman in the Aquatics Industry. I am grateful to be utilizing my entrepreneurial spirit to defy stereotypes and to cultivate positive change within my community.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My parents and my family. They have always supported my dreams and ambitions. To them, I am forever indebted.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.swimworksbykali.com
- Email: swimworksbykali@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/swimworksbykali
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/swimworksbykali
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/swimkali
Image Credit:
@itsakila
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