Irene Kim is a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate committed to fostering equitable access to education and community-driven change. As the Director of Community Research & Partnerships for ProjectHBCU (Helping Beautiful Children Unite), she leads initiatives that strengthen collaborations between schools, community organizations, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to enhance student success and educational access.

With a Bachelor of Education from UCLA, Irene has cultivated expertise in community engagement, youth development, and peer mentoring. In her role as a Student Success Coach at City Year, she works alongside teachers to deliver tailored instruction that supports the academic and socio-emotional development of students. Her passion for empowering students and dismantling systemic barriers drives her work at ProjectHBCU, where she focuses on building partnerships, conducting research, and implementing programs that uplift students in underserved communities.

Through her leadership, Irene is committed to unlocking students’ full potential, advocating for systemic change, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed on their journey to and through college.