Kira Banks, PhD

Kira Banks, PhD, has decades of experience helping individuals and institutions create equity and inclusion for long-term change. Dr. Banks co-founded the Institute for Healing Justice and Equity at Saint Louis University, where she is a professor of psychology and director of clinical training for their APA accredited doctoral program. She has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals and contributed to popular media including The Harvard Business Review, CNN, The Atlantic and The Guardian. A consultant to the entertainment industry, Dr. Banks works with productions to ensure they are cultivating an inclusive climate. She has contributed to children's programming through her work with Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon, and she is co-principles of The Mouse and the Elephant, a firm that develops customized curriculum for diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives. Dr. Banks’ podcast – The Kira Banks Show – helps people develop an equity mindset and have critical dialogues at home and in the workplace.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kira Banks has an employment relationship with Saint Louis University. She receives a grant from NIAID/NIH/DHHS. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. Kira Banks has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kira Banks is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association Psychological Science, the Association of Black Psychologists, and the Missouri Psychological Association.