Kiran Kudva, 13

Kiran Kudva is a local academic scholar and rising freshman at SILSA.

Kiran is the great-grandson of the late Arthur and Helen Edington, for whom the Edington Career and Educational Center on Livingston Street is named. He is also the grandson of LaJuana Edington Montgomery and son of local community leader LaVie Montgomery.

He has maintained straight A’s from kindergarten through 8th grade, and is active in all things basketball. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a national program designed to support the college-going dreams and aspirations of students and their families. AVID has developed a strong track record in promoting student entry into a four-year college, often with scholarship support. Kiran will continue the high school level AVID program through graduation.

“I wake up and go to sleep wanting to play basketball!” Kiran stated. He plays point guard on his AAU travel basketball team, Team Carolina via Hoop Lab basketball training. He also played on his middle school basketball team and plays pick up ball at the gym several days a week.

Kiran also enjoys playing tennis. He was introduced to the sport by board chair Paulette Evans, and is now a member of the Asheville Tennis Association, where he and another youth were selected by “Explore Asheville” and flown to New York to be the coin tossers for the US Open this past year.

For more than four years Kiran has been under the mentorship of Keynon Lake, founder and CEO of the local nonprofit, My Daddy Taught Me That. Through the program, Kiran has had several meaningful experiences allowing him to work and develop relationships with other youth and community members from all walks of life. For the second year in a row, Kiran will learn business skills through his apprenticeship with Stephen Smith’s MS Landscaping Youth Entrepreneurship Program.

Kiran stated,” Keynon and Stephen are two of the main positive male role models in my life. We can have real conversations without judgement and they give really good advice. They show up at my school and at events all over the community. They introduced me to Kim Whitaker, a local sweet treat business owner, who then inspired me to start my own business, Kiran’s Konfections. I make and sell sweet treats at local vendor pop ups.

“It started with Keynon challenging us to make a business plan during program night. I made one and followed through with it. I like sweets, so after Stephen and Keynon linked me with Kim, I went over to her house, and I helped her prepare a huge Christmas order. She showed me how to make chocolate covered everything!

“I’ve always seen my mom be an entrepreneur at local pop ups with her earring business, Dope Divas LLC, so I’ve never minded getting to the money, and since my favorite subject is math, it only made sense that I start my own business. My first big event was at the Crowne Plaza at the Black Business Network of WNC, where Stephen sponsored me a table. I did very well for a kid and I plan to have several businesses in the future.”

Kiran would like to attend Duke, Carolina, or an HBCU and have a career in STEM. To support that goal, Kiran has taken high school level math in middle school and he attended Swift App Tech Development Camp led by Mr. Charles Long.

Kiran has served as a mentor with the Read to Succeed youth literacy program with Project Lighten Up at Rock Hill Baptist Church and was a teen scholar at Christine Avery Learning Center STARS Program. He has also been a part of United Way’s Community Conversations led by Aisha Williams, VP of Community Engagement, where he advocated for youth-centered programs that have invested in his holistic well-being. Kiran also volunteers to distribute food, books, and goods with United Way at various community-centered events.

Clarence Robinson of “Cooking with Comedy Catering” is another leader who has had a positive influence on Kiran. While working on the food truck, Kiran learned to take orders, safely distribute food, and provide excellent customer service. He was even happier to leave full and with tips.

Kiran’s mom, LaVie Montgomery,  says, “I was raised with an incredible support system and I’m thankful that my sons and I are supported by family and the community. Every child, family, and community member thrives when fully supported. It truly takes a village, an all-hands on deck approach.”

Be on the lookout for more of Kiran’s bright future.