We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kadie Black. Check out our conversation below.
Kadie, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that filled me with pride was when our team moved youth who have aged out of the foster care system into their new apartments. We had the privilege of welcoming 11 (and counting!) young people into their very own homes. For some, it was their first time living independently, and a few even brought their children with them. Watching them take this big step with courage, determination, and a touch of humor was deeply inspiring. Our team was right there beside them—coordinating logistics, unpacking, and offering support. Seeing them embrace this new chapter and imagining the bright futures ahead reminded me exactly why we do this work: to give our youth stability, opportunity, and hope.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kadie Black, President and CEO of Voices For Children Foundation. Our mission is to support abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the foster care system here in Miami-Dade. What makes our work so special is that we serve children in a holistic way—through advocacy, essential needs, and experiences that create stability, spark hope, and give them the tools to thrive. Every day, we get to witness extraordinary resilience and transformation. Right now, we’re focused on strengthening our Kinship Care Project, which supports relatives who step in to care for children and helps keep families together.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work. As a child, I spent time at the Guardian ad Litem office with my mom, Joni Goodman, who was the Executive Director. I would often accompany her to hearings at the juvenile courthouse, where I witnessed children my own age being removed from their homes. Those moments left a lasting impression on me and shaped my understanding of why children in foster care need strong advocates. My mom instilled in me a deep passion for community and justice, and my dad, a criminal attorney, emphasized the importance of helping others. Their example set the foundation for my career and my unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference for children and families.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I recently changed my mind about the way I approach asking for help. For a long time, I carried the belief that as a leader, I needed to shoulder everything myself and that asking for help might be seen as a sign of weakness. Over time, and especially through some big projects like The Dream Collective, I realized that asking for help is actually an act of strength. It creates space for collaboration, invites others to share their talents, and builds deeper trust. I’m fortunate to have an amazing team that I can truly rely on. They show up with dedication, creativity, and heart, and together we accomplish so much more than any one person could alone. Changing that mindset has allowed me to lead more authentically and embrace the power of collective effort.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to ensuring that children in the foster care system feel like they truly belong. At Voices For Children, we open our arms to our youth as if they were our own—they are family. This belief drives everything we do.
The project I’m most committed to is The Dream Collective, a first-of-its-kind, trauma-informed campus that will bring together multiple child welfare partners under one roof. This innovative hub will provide coordinated services for children, youth, and families, eliminating the silos that too often make navigating the system overwhelming. By creating a centralized, welcoming space, The Dream Collective will give families stability, foster collaboration between organizations, and ultimately change the way foster care is experienced in our community. It’s a bold vision that will take time, but it’s one I believe in with my whole heart.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when one of our kids looks at us and says they love us. Those words carry so much weight. They remind me that the care, advocacy, and love we pour into their lives matter. In those moments, I feel overwhelming gratitude and calm, knowing they feel seen, valued, and loved.
I also find peace on the water—there’s something about the rhythm and openness that settles my spirit—and when I’m on my roller skates, gliding and feeling completely free. Those are the moments that refill my cup and remind me to find joy in the simple things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beavoice.org
- Instagram: @voicesforchildren
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/voices-for-children-foundation-7183b872
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Voices4ChildrenFound
- Other: personal instagram: @kadieblack
Image Credits
For the headshot: Goodybag
