An Interview with Kira Cox
by Karrie Zylstra Myton
Kira Cox recently stepped into the role of office administrator after Lori Jordan, the former office manager, became our financial coordinator. Kira will often be the first person you speak to when you call L’Arche Tahoma Hope, and she has a vital role in our community.
I got the chance to talk to her right after she started and am delighted to share our conversation with you. She has incredible energy and a smile that lights up the room. Please welcome Kira to our community whenever you get the chance so you can see her warmth and sparkle for yourself!
KZM: How did you hear about us at L’Arche?
KC: Lori Jordan’s daughter Emilia and I met at my first job after college when I was a paraeducator and she was a teacher. A few years ago, Emilia asked if I wanted to volunteer for the auction, and that was how my life with L’Arche got started.
KZM: What did you do when you volunteered for the auctions?
KC: A lot of different things! I helped set up for the events—mostly putting up decorations. This year we did prom, so I also sold the corsages.
KZM: What’s your favorite part of the office manager job so far?
KC: I think my favorite parts of the job are getting to know everyone, dipping my toe into the community here, and getting to know the people at L’Arche.
KZM: What’s the most challenging thing about working at L’Arche?
KC: I guess getting used to all of the new systems. I’ve also never worked for a non-profit before so that’s new, too, but I feel like I’m learning and I’m growing.
KZM: What have you found surprising?
KC: All of the community events! I knew L’Arche provided housing for core members and medical services, but I didn’t know that there were so many opportunities to get involved in all of these events. That part has been really exciting because I was looking for a job that works really in depth with community opportunities like that.
KZM: Wonderful! To wrap up, tell me more about your life outside of work. I read in your Latest in L’Arche introduction that you love theater, knitting, and board games. I’d love to know more about your life in the theater.
KC: I’ve ALWAYS loved performance ever since I was little. I got more involved in theater in middle school and high school. In college, I actually majored in theater. I focused on how theater can be a healing art and even got the chance to do a research project that won some awards on drama therapy. Then I got to write a play based on my research. Theater has been an incredibly rewarding part of my life.
KZM: That sounds amazing! Thanks so much for talking to me today, Kira. I loved getting to know you better.
KC: Thank you! Everything has been exciting, and I’m having a lot of fun learning about L’Arche.
