What happens when a determined, inspired, and gifted young woman decides to do more? Well, meet Kaylea Moore. Her life story inspires as she focuses on making a difference, not just making a point.
CNC: Tell us a little about yourself and your Chattanooga roots.
Kaylea: I was born in Chattanooga on January 7, 2004, and attended Harrison Elementary, Big Ridge Elementary, Bess T. Shepherd, Tyner Middle School, and eventually Tyner Academy, where I graduated as valedictorian in 2022. Chattanooga has always been home, and it shaped who I am. Even though I have traveled and lived elsewhere, I still carry Chattanooga with me everywhere I go.
CNC: What inspired your love for education?
Kaylea: Honestly, it started when I was young. I was the kid who chose the library over recess. I loved reading, learning, and helping others learn. At age 15, I became a teaching assistant for Bess T. Shepherd’s Read to be Ready Summer Program, and later I participated in Tyner Academy’s Teaching and Learning Program. Those experiences confirmed that education was where my heart was.
CNC: You recently graduated from Howard University. Why Howard?
Kaylea: Howard represented opportunity, excellence, and a pathway into educational policy. I knew I wanted to make an impact beyond the classroom. Being in Washington, D.C., surrounded by leaders, policymakers, and students from around the world, gave me access to experiences that aligned with my goals. I was also the first student from Tyner Academy to attend Howard University, which made the journey even more meaningful.
CNC: Your journey has not been easy. What challenges have you overcome?
Kaylea: When I was 12, doctors discovered severe scoliosis while I was getting a physical for cheerleading. I underwent major spinal fusion surgery at age 13 and had to relearn how to walk. Activities I loved, including gymnastics and competitive sports, suddenly became impossible. Then, just three months after surgery, my mother passed away from lupus. That period changed everything. I struggled with grief, uncertainty, and questions about why those things had happened, but I chose to keep moving forward. School became an outlet for me, and I poured myself into learning and leadership.
CNC: What kept you going during those difficult years?
Kaylea: My faith, my family, and my belief that difficult circumstances do not define a person’s future. I trusted God and trusted that there was purpose in what I was experiencing, even when I couldn’t understand it. I also wanted to honor my mother, who loved education and encouraged reading and learning in our home. She remains my greatest motivation.
CNC: What advice would you give young people facing obstacles?
Kaylea: Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. Growth happens when you step beyond what feels safe. Many of the best opportunities in my life began with uncertainty. If I had stayed comfortable, I never would have gone eight hours away to Howard University, started new organizations, or discovered what I was capable of achieving.
CNC: What’s next for Kaylea Moore? Kaylea: I’ll begin teaching sixth-grade English in Washington, D.C., while pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. Long term, I hope to work in educational policy and eventually serve in a position where I can help shape educational opportunities for future generations. My goal is simple: despite everything I’ve endured, I want to continue making a difference and remain proud to be Kaylea Moore.