Hi! I’m Kemi.

I am passionate about connecting people to opportunities that help communities thrive. The collaborative spirit here in Waco is something truly special. Over the last year and a half, I have been blessed to connect with a wide range of wonderful Wacoans. I am excited to join the team at Grassroots and look forward to supporting collaborative community development already happening here.

After graduating from USC with a degree in Public Policy and Urban Planning, I spent a year in the USC Lusk Center’s MRED program, concentrating in residential real estate development. I went to work in housing development and real estate IT consulting and after a stint in the housing world, left to do something completely unrelated…entrepreneurship, focusing on health, wellness and work-life balance. As a young adult with a newfound faith in Christ, I completed a Masters degree in theology at Fuller Seminary. At Fuller, I was introduced to the world of social entrepreneurship and Christian Community Development. It was there that I would discover my “solutionary” leanings and a commitment to community development. I have to credit Dr. Jude Tiersma Watson and the late Glen Stassen with the introduction to CCDA.

After graduating from Fuller in 2003, my husband and I—newlyweds at the time–moved to the UK where I continued my education at Oxford University. While completing my degree in Applied Theology, I continued my consulting work. In the UK, I travelled throughout England , Scotland and Wales, working with Christian organizations committed to rescue and rehabilitation of exploited and trafficked women.

One major event, however, would completely transform my life in unimaginable ways—becoming a mom. Motherhood would be the catalyst to launch a 16 year career in digital advocacy.  Over the last 16 years, I have been privileged to work with a range of organizations, policy makers, churches and consumer brands– mobilizing parents to advocate on behalf of children—on issues ranging from education and school nutrition to creation care.

I cant wait to leverage my prior experiences and love for Waco in ways that support the work already underway.