We recently had the chance to connect with Khiva Mackey and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Khiva, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The beautiful grandchildren
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello I’m Khiva Mackey, the proud CEO of Children Like Loni, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting at-risk youth in our community since 2015. Our mission centers around providing wraparound services, with a particular focus on addressing food insecurity through our multiple food pantries.
What sets Children Like Loni apart is our holistic approach; we not only deliver nutritious food but also create a supportive environment where young people can thrive. Our team is deeply committed to fostering resilience and empowerment, ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to succeed.
As we continue our journey, we’re excited to explore new initiatives that expand our reach and deepen our impact. We believe that by working together, we can transform lives and build a brighter future for our community.
I invite you to join us on this mission and learn more about our work!
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think one moment that really shapes how many of us see the world is when we witness a significant act of kindness or resilience. For me, it might be a time when I saw a young person in our program overcome tremendous challenges. Their determination and strength in the face of adversity can be incredibly inspiring, reminding us that hope and change are always possible.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There have been moments, especially in the early days of running Children Like Loni, when the challenges felt overwhelming. Whether it was securing funding or reaching those who needed our help the most, there were times I questioned whether we could make a difference.
But each time I faced that doubt, I’d reflect on the stories of the families we serve, their struggles and successes. It’s that connection to our mission and the impact we can have that keeps me going
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I have great respect for community leaders who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to uplift those around them without seeking recognition. Their selflessness and dedication to making a difference are qualities I deeply admire.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will tell a story of compassion, resilience, and impact. I want them to remember me as someone who dedicated her life to uplifting families and who believed in the power of community. I’d love for them to share how Children Like Loni made a difference in their lives and how I championed the importance of nutrition and support for those in need.
Ultimately, I want my story to reflect a commitment to making the world a better place and to inspire others to take action in their own communities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.likeloni.org
- Instagram: Lonichildrenlike
- Facebook: Children Like Loni
Image Credits
Our Community
