Mikala Irby

About Mikala Irby

I am a purpose-driven professional with over six years of experience in education, recruitment, and leadership development, dedicated to creating pathways for equity and meaningful impact.My journey with Teach For America began long before my own corps experience. Inspired by TFA alumni who shaped my education, I started as a recruitment intern in college, later joined the Corps, and now proudly serve as a Recruitment Manager. Along the way, I’ve developed a deep passion for empowering the next generation of leaders, building authentic partnerships, and leveraging data-informed strategies to connect people with opportunities where they can thrive.In my current role, I lead strategic, equity-centered recruitment initiatives across universities, designing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences and using insights from Salesforce and Power BI to optimize engagement and results. I thrive at the intersection of people, purpose, and data, combining analytical rigor with a human-centered approach.I recently earned my MBA from LSU Shreveport, strengthening my expertise in organizational leadership, strategy, and operations.At my core, I believe in the power of education, community, and intentional leadership to change lives. Whether coaching candidates through their career journeys, collaborating across functions, or mentoring students, I bring curiosity, empathy, and a solutions-oriented mindset to every space I enter.

Experience

1. Recruitment Manager

   Teach For America

   Jun 2022 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Drive strategic, data-informed recruitment efforts to expand Teach For America’s reach across a portfolio of universities originally in the Midwest now in the Texas region, with a strong focus on equity and diversity.Design and execute targeted, results-driven campaigns to attract high-potential candidates committed to educational equity and long-term impact in under-resourced communities.Interpret and apply insights from previous recruitment cycles to create tailored campus messaging that resonates with specific audiences and drives engagement.Cultivate meaningful partnerships with professors, university staff, school leaders, and community members to identify and connect with top talent through personalized outreach, on-campus activations, virtual events, and alumni panels.Utilize Salesforce and Power BI to track performance data, refine recruitment strategies, and guide outreach priorities based on real-time analytics.

Education

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  Bachelor's degree, Communication, General

• LSU Shreveport

  Master of Business Administration - MBA