About Us.

Our Founding Story

Founded by Kaaren Heikes, Marsha Williams, Zalika Gardner, Kali Thorne Ladd, and Jasmine Johnson, five visionary women with over 75 years of combined experience, KairosPDX was built on a shared commitment to community, equity, and sustainable impact. As mothers and seasoned leaders, the co-founders understood the power of nurturing potential, both in individuals and in systems.

Their collective expertise laid the groundwork for transformative change. They didn’t just come together to build something, they came together to reimagine what’s possible.

Rooted in hope, driven by purpose, and inspired by the communities we serve, KairosPDX is uniquely positioned to lead. This is more than a beginning, it is the opportunity to transform together.

Key Staff

Marsha Williams

Co-Founder and CEO

Terry Ann Cabine

Chief Administrative Officer

Timothy Rodgers

Head of School

Tiffany Dempsey

Director of Community Relations

Donald Jackson

Assistant Director of Mental Health

Judy Stringer

Acting Early Learning Site Director

Board Executive Committee

Board Chair

Tiffani Penson

Oregon Department of Transportation

Vice-Chair & Secretary

Kira Cador

Rembold Properties

Board Treasurer

Mark Washington

CBRE Capital Markets

Board of Directors

David Anderson

Schwabe, Williamson and Wyatt

Brooke Brownlee

Portland General Electric

Tyrone Foster

Precision Landscape

Garmai Gorlorwulu

Perkins Coie, LLP

Jake Kindrachuk

Village Family Capital

Kali Thorne Ladd

Children’s Institute KairosPDX Co-Founder

Miron Washington

Parts Town

Mujidat Saaka

Tahn Analytics

Marsha Williams

Chief Executive Officer KairosPDX Co-Founder

Awards and Recognition

  • In the City, For the City Partnership Award

    KairosPDX receives “In the City, For the City” Partnership Award from Warner Pacific University on April 14, 2018

  • Emily G. Gottfried Human Rights Award for Outstanding Organization

    KairosPDX Receives the Emily G. Gottfried Human Rights Award for Outstanding Organization on December 7, 2018

  • 2019 Women of Excellence Award for Education

    KairosPDX Co-Founders, Marsha Williams, Zalika Gardner & Kali Thorne Ladd receive the 2019 Women of Excellence Award for Education from the Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on May 18, 2019

  • Most Admired Companies in Oregon

    KairosPDX landed on Portland Business Journal’s ‘Most Admired Companies in Oregon’ list within the nonprofit sector for the second year in a row! This year we made the top 10, and will be honored on Thursday, December 5, 2019, check out the full list

  • 2019 Light a Fire Award

    KairosPDX received Portland Monthly Magazine 2019 Light a Fire Award in the category of Exceptional Community Contribution. During the Gala, the audience voted for one of the awardees in the seven