Changing Lives

Kadie leads a large nonprofit serving children in foster care across Miami-Dade. She explains what it means to “stand in the gaps”—from everyday needs like haircuts, braces, and zoo trips to deeper advocacy that shortens time in care and supports reunification or adoption. Kadie walks us through trauma-informed practices, building positive childhood experiences, and creating core memories that spark hope. We talk about mission trips with BLUE Missions, helping youth gain perspective while serving abroad, and college tours that help students “see themselves” on campus. Kadie shares her famous “bubbles on Park Avenue” story—finding a joyful, creative way to solve problems—and opens up about stepping into the CEO role, mindset, and leading a passionate team. You’ll also hear about The Dream Collective (a co-located, collaborative model for services), fundraising as sales, planning through budget uncertainty, investing in talent and upskilling, and exploring revenue-generating ideas inspired by programs like Homeboy Industries. Finally, Kadie and Mike discuss reframing dyslexia and ADHD as superpowers, building grit, and why growth lives outside the comfort zone.

 

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