97 THE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Kali Thorne Ladd, M.A., KairosPDX Executive Director KALI THORNE LADD is a social entrepreneur who is a passionate advocate for equity and education transformation with a background that spans from teacher to program manager to policy maker over the last 19 years. After spending four years as education director for former mayor Sam Adams, Ladd pursued establishing and co-founding KairosPDX, a nonprofit dedicated to closing opportunity and achievement gaps for historically marginalized children. In May 2012, Ladd won election to the Portland Community College Board of Directors, Oregon’s largest higher education institution. She served for seven years and is immediate past chair. In 2016, Ladd was appointed by Governor Kate Brown to the Early Learning Council of Oregon, where she currently serves. Ladd 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, Ladd has worked overseas in South Africa teaching and supporting the development of two community-based projects: a community library and women-owned bakery. In 2018, Ladd was recognized by the Portland Business Journal as a Women of Influence and in 2017 as 40 under 40. Ladd resides in Portland with her husband, Billy, and two children. For fun, Ladd enjoys running, reading, writing and cooking. Ladd received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and psychology from Boston College and a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
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