Kiesha Battles (she/her) teaches yoga full time and has created and led numerous yoga programs and retreats. In 2016, she was appointed codirector of the Yoga Retreat for Women of Color, carrying its 25 year legacy at Kripalu. In addition to teaching and leading yoga programs for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and CorePower Yoga locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, Kiesha runs her own studio and yoga school, IAMYOGA, where she has mentored, guided, and graduated over 100 yoga teachers and has made yoga accessible to the community she serves. Kiesha describes herself as a humble soul who first connects to all beings at their core. She is passionate about service to her community, takes pride in being a regular blood donor for the Red Cross, and spends her free time reading, meditating, and breathing. Kiesha lives with her husband and two sons in Charlotte.