REALTOR®, mom, and wife, Kristen LaRue Bond is a Lexington native. She was raised in a family with deep ties to the community, education and public service, and continues to carry this legacy forward. As a youth she was an active participant in Dunbar High School’s Leaders in the Making Program and the Herald-Leader Teen Board. She is a proud graduate of Fisk University, Belmont University and the University of Kentucky. Kristen is a Realtor with the K&D Team at Guide Realty. She started her career in real estate in 2018 with her husband Darryl Bond Jr. They are passionate about serving and giving back to their community. From the onset of their entrepreneurial journey, they made philanthropy a key pillar of their business. Over the past five years, they have donated over $20,000 to community initiatives and families in need. Kristen initiated the resurgence of the local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. As NAREB of Central KY president, Kristen increased the chapter's membership through engaging events and outreach opportunities catering to the needs of real estate professionals and the community. Through 2023 she also served as vice-chair of the Bluegrass REALTORS® Diversity Committee. Currently, Kristen has been appointed to the Bluegrass REALTORS® Executive Committee and chairs the Diversity Committee. Aside from real estate, Kristen serves as consultant and advocate for businesses and organizations throughout Lexington. The Herald-Leader identified Kristen as one of 24 people in Lexington to watch for 2024. As her contributions to Black Yarn, Kristen brings her longstanding commitment to community, her leadership experience, her business acumen, her personal experience as an African American in Lexington, and her positional authority as a realtor.