Kalani Leifer

Kalani Leifer is the founder and CEO of COOP Careers, a organization focused on overcoming underemployment through digital skills and peer connections.

Background and Education

Kalani Leifer grew up in the Bay Area and graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. They later earned a Master of Arts in Education from Lehman College, City University of New York (CUNY).124

Career

• Teach For America: Kalani began their career as a history teacher at Kappa International High School in the Bronx, NY, from 2008 to 2010.124
• McKinsey & Company: They worked as a fellow associate at McKinsey in Zurich and Dubai from 2010 to 2012.123
• Google: Kalani served as a project leader at Google in California from 2012 to 2013.123
• Other Roles: Kalani has also worked as a researcher at Stanford University, a legislative intern at the U.S. House of Representatives, and a strategy intern at Deutsche Bahn.3

COOP Careers

In 2014, Kalani founded COOP Careers, an organization aimed at addressing underemployment by providing digital skills training and fostering peer connections. COOP is part of the inaugural cohort of Obama Foundation Fellows, and Kalani is proud to represent the organization in this capacity.234

Expertise and Philosophy

Kalani's work is driven by a passion for making a difference and empowering others. They emphasize the importance of social networks and peer support in career advancement and economic mobility. COOP's approach includes a unique curriculum focused on "head, heart, and hustle" to help individuals navigate career challenges and achieve long-term success.14

Personal Life

Kalani lives in San Francisco with their partner and their dog, Snacks.4