Kali Thorne Ladd

Kali is a social entrepreneur, passionate about the neuroscience of love and belonging as a driving force for education transformation and human flourishing.  Her background spans from teacher to program manager to policymaker over the last 22 years. After serving as Education Director for Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Kali Co-Founded KairosPDX, a non-profit and school dedicated to closing opportunity and achievement gaps for historically marginalized children and building a place anchored in the re-humanization of children in education. After nearly a decade of work with KairosPDX, Kali now leads the Children’s Institute a statewide organization in Oregon focused on all-children thriving.  

In May 2012, Kali won election to the Portland Community College Board of Directors, Oregon’s largest higher education institution. She served for 7 years and is immediate past Chair. In 2016, Kali was appointed by Governor Brown to the Early Learning Council of Oregon where she currently serves.  Kali was appointed to the Oregon Community Foundations, Metro Leadership Council in 2017. Kali was also appointed to the James F and Marion L Miller Foundation board in January 2019. The Miller foundation enhances the quality of life of Oregonians through the support of classroom education and the performing, visual, and literary arts. 

In addition to her national work, Kali has worked overseas in South Africa teaching and supporting the development of two community-based projects: a community library and a women-owned bakery. In 2018, Kali was recognized by the Portland Business Journal as a Women of Influence and in 2017 as 40 under 40. 

Kali resides in Portland with her husband, Billy, and two young children. For fun, Kali enjoys running, reading, writing, and cooking. 

Kali received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Boston College and earned a Master’s Degree in Education Policy from Harvard University.