We’re thrilled to welcome Zalima Barazani as Kira’s new Head of Product Marketing! A former Baltimore City Public Schools teacher who later led at a NYC charter network and drove impact at Clever and Apple, Zalima brings a rare blend of classroom empathy and go-to-market rigor.
As our first product marketing hire, she’ll help bridge what we build with what educators and districts need most—shaping our story, sharpening our launches, and amplifying real classroom outcomes. Get to know Zalima below: what brought her to Kira, what’s exciting her about this moment for AI in education, and a few fun facts (Ravens fans, you’ll approve!). Welcome to the team, Zalima!
Kira: Tell us a bit about your background—what brought you to Kira, and why did this opportunity resonate with you?
Zalima: From my very first day as a Baltimore City Public Schools teacher twelve years ago, I’ve known that my career would be committed to the betterment of the education system. I moved on from the classroom to administrative roles at a prominent New York City charter school network, where I was first introduced to edtech as a purchaser. The wealth of tools I encountered during that time showed me the great opportunity that edtech products can provide for both educators and learners, leading me to career pivot into the space, first at Clever and eventually at Apple.
When considering my next step, I wanted to join a company at the forefront of the next major evolution in learning, and could only do so with a product that I believe in, just like Kira’s. I can already see the multitude of practical applications, and I wish it had been around when I was in the classroom.
AI in education is inevitable, and I’m thrilled to join the team delivering the most secure, stable, and innovative solutions for the hardworking teachers educating our precious future generations.
Kira: What are you most excited about as you start your journey here?
Zalima: At this moment in time, it feels as though the potential for positive impact with AI in education is limitless. I can’t wait to get to know our product, the educators already using it today, and the district administrators who’ve signed on to join Kira in revolutionizing the future of education. It’ll be great to learn directly from them how we can create the product of their dreams, and together, see the incredible potential impacts.
Kira: What’s something interesting or unique about yourself that your new colleagues might be surprised to learn?
Zalima: I’ve lived in six cities, and the Baltimore Ravens are the best NFL team in the United States.
Kira: How do you see your role contributing to Kira’s mission of transforming education through AI?
Zalima: As the first product marketing hire, I’ll be working to bridge the gap between product development and market fit. I’ll be identifying what exactly our amazing teachers and leaders want in the product. I’ll be learning directly from them and then, through both marketing and thought leadership, ensuring that they in turn are aware of, and excited about, our critical features and updates that we know will enhance their professional experience.
Kira: When you’re not working, what do you love doing? Any hobbies, interests, or passion projects you’d like to share
Zalima: I am a loud and proud fan of reality TV, typically Bravo, sometimes TLC. I read at least three books a month and annually compete against myself in a voracious manner for no prize in my Goodreads challenge. Thinking about it, it would also appear that I spend my free time doing all of the things I wished I could do all of the time when I was a child: ice skating, watching TV, eating my favorite foods, and spending time with my friends and family.
