Throughout her childhood in São Paulo, Katia would come back home to a small apartment -- from a school that her parents couldn’t afford to send her to but somehow still did. Every day, she would see enormous numbers of impoverished children on the streets. Many had ripped clothing and had no access to food, shelter, or education. Her parent’s sacrifice to give her an education and hope for the future transformed Katia’s arc. After graduating, Katia saved and traveled from Brazil to America to improve and expand her English language skills. Serendipity soon hit by presenting her with an opportunity to extend her visit. Within a few years, she had been exposed to educational, social and entrepreneurship opportunities that she had no idea even existed. Some call it the “American Dream”.
Katia’s life has since been filled with many gifts and blessings but no children of her own. After reflecting on her good fortune and on the painful images and harmonics of her childhood, Katia was moved to do something to pay it forward. These emotions led her to start “Katia’s Kids” -- the Katia Francesconi Children’s Foundation.