Sheena Kadi, MBA, is a trailblazing advocate for LGBTQ rights, an skilled political strategist, and a most cancers survivor. With over 20 years of expertise in coverage, advocacy, and organizing, Sheena has devoted her profession to empowering marginalized communities and fostering systemic change.
Her journey from a difficult upbringing, together with surviving conversion remedy and homelessness, to turning into a revered chief in LGBTQ advocacy displays her resilience and dedication.As the previous Deputy Director of the state’s main advocacy group for LGBTQ Coloradans, Sheena has led efforts to go transformative laws, construct coalitions, and empower people to be change-makers of their communities. A queer Arab American girl, Sheena’s work is deeply private, pushed by a need to create a world the place future generations can dwell authentically with out worry. She credit mentors like Mayor Jack Ford and Sister Ann Carmen Barone for shaping her path and believes within the energy of lived experiences to encourage empathy and motion.When she isn’t working, Sheena is captivated with astronomy, kayaking, dwell music, and fostering significant connections. Her story is one in all perseverance, advocacy, and the unwavering perception that everybody deserves the possibility to thrive.On the earth of communications, advocacy, and social change, few names shine as brightly as Sheena Kadi. Sheena has spent 20 years championing causes near her coronary heart, constructing actions, and utilizing the ability of storytelling to unite various teams round shared objectives. At the moment, we sit down with Sheena to delve into her journey—one which has spanned native and worldwide phases, private triumphs, and the struggle for equality.Interviewer: Sheena, thanks for becoming a member of us at the moment. To start out, are you able to share what initially drew you to advocacy and communications?Sheena Kadi: Completely. My ardour for advocacy began early. Rising up as a first-generation Arab American and figuring out as queer, I skilled firsthand how insurance policies and societal attitudes may form somebody’s life, for higher or worse. It instilled in me a deep need to be a part of the change. Communications grew to become my instrument of selection as a result of I imagine tales—the genuine, susceptible ones—are what join us, encourage empathy, and finally drive motion.Interviewer: Was there a selected second or expertise that propelled you into this line of labor?Sheena Kadi: Sure, one pivotal second was in faculty after I based PRISM, the primary LGBTQ scholar group at a Catholic college in Ohio. On the time, it felt dangerous, however the help and group we constructed had been unimaginable. That have taught me the ability of organizing, creating protected areas, and amplifying marginalized voices. Later, working with Ohioans for Equity to struggle Modification 1 in 2004 solidified my dedication to advocacy. Though we didn’t win that battle, it lit a fireplace in me to maintain pushing for progress.Interviewer: You’ve been part of some monumental campaigns, together with Obergefell v. Hodges. What was it prefer to play a task in such a historic second?Sheena Kadi: It was humbling and empowering. Marriage equality wasn’t nearly a authorized proper—it was about affirming our humanity. My function concerned constructing the sphere crew in Ohio, crafting methods to have interaction communities, and dealing with the plaintiffs to share their tales authentically. Seeing love and dedication conquer prejudice was deeply transferring. It jogged my memory why I do what I do: to make life higher, fairer, and extra inclusive for everybody.Interviewer: You’ve additionally labored on presidential campaigns and with grassroots organizations. How do these experiences examine?Sheena Kadi: Every has its distinctive challenges and rewards. Engaged on President Obama’s campaigns and being one of many first hires for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 marketing campaign uncovered me to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of nationwide politics. It’s exhilarating but in addition demanding. Then again, grassroots work, like my time with SEIU, Metro Caring, One Colorado or stopping dangerous laws in Indiana underneath Governor Mike Pence’s administration, is deeply private. You’re within the trenches, constructing relationships, and witnessing tangible impacts in native communities. Each experiences taught me that change requires each a broad imaginative and prescient and a spotlight to the smallest particulars.Interviewer: Storytelling is central to your work. Are you able to share an instance of a narrative you’ve informed that had a major affect?Sheena Kadi: One which stands out is working with small enterprise house owners, religion leaders, and elected officers to construct help coalitions for marriage equality in Ohio. A Black Baptist preacher initially hesitated to affix as a result of he feared backlash from different religion leaders. After we shared tales of {couples} whose lives could be profoundly affected, he not solely joined however grew to become a vocal advocate. His story resonated with so many others, displaying the ripple impact that one individual’s braveness can have. Pastor D.L. Perryman stays an in depth buddy to today. Interviewer: You’ve additionally taken on roles within the public sector, like your latest place with the Colorado Division of the Treasury. How do these roles align along with your advocacy background?Sheena Kadi: They align completely. Advocacy is about making certain that methods work for everybody, not only a privileged few. In my function as Public Info Officer and Communications Director, I’ve targeted on making complicated monetary data accessible and relatable. Whether or not it’s serving to small companies navigate packages like CLIMBER or making certain transparency in state operations, it’s about constructing belief and empowering communities with data.Interviewer: Your journey hasn’t been with out challenges. How have you ever navigated setbacks and maintained resilience?Sheena Kadi: It’s been a mixture of self-care, leaning on my help community, and staying rooted in my objective. Advocacy work will be exhausting and emotionally taxing. I’ve realized to set boundaries and prioritize relaxation—a lesson I emphasised throughout my Netroots Nation coaching on sustainable campaigns. Additionally, celebrating small victories retains me motivated. Even incremental progress issues.Interviewer: You’ve skilled and managed groups all through your profession. What’s your management philosophy?Sheena Kadi: My philosophy is centered on empowerment and collaboration. I’ve been lucky to steer passionate, younger, groups that begin as canvassers and develop into management roles. I imagine in giving folks the instruments and confidence to succeed, fostering a tradition of respect, and creating alternatives for development. When folks really feel valued and supported, they carry out at their greatest.Interviewer: Wanting forward, what objectives or tasks excite you most?Sheena Kadi: I’m deeply captivated with persevering with to bridge divides by means of storytelling and collaboration. Whether or not it’s by means of public sector roles, nonprofit management, or new campaigns, I wish to maintain driving initiatives that heart fairness, inclusion, and tangible change. Additionally, mentoring the following technology of leaders is one thing I’m more and more targeted on. Their vitality and views encourage me.Interviewer: Lastly, what recommendation would you give to others who aspire to make a distinction?Sheena Kadi: Don’t underestimate the ability of your voice. Authenticity and vulnerability are strengths, not weaknesses. Encompass your self with individuals who problem and uplift you, and don’t be afraid to fail. Each setback is a chance to study and develop. Most significantly, keep in mind that change doesn’t occur in a single day. Have fun progress, irrespective of how small, and maintain pushing ahead.Interviewer: Thanks, Sheena. Your journey and insights are extremely inspiring.Sheena Kadi: Thanks! It’s been a pleasure to share my story. Right here’s to constructing a brighter, extra equitable future collectively.
