News & Events

From Reflection to Action: A Year of Growth Beyond Limits

Andria Tobin, Executive Director
December 12, 2024

I am proud to share Kid Power’s 2022-2023 Annual Report, covering an extended 18-month period from July 2022 to September 2023. This unique timeframe reflects our transition to a new fiscal year and a transformative period of listening, learning, and strategic planning. During this time, the trust and generosity of our community helped us:

Engage nearly 1,000 youth in after-school, mentoring, wellness, and tutoring programs designed to build academic confidence, social-emotional skills, and self-advocacy.
Pilot innovative initiatives, including group mentoring and career exploration workshops, providing students with new pathways to success.
Strengthen partnerships with caregivers, schools, and local organizations to create a robust network of support for our young leaders.

These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our incredible staff, board members, volunteers, parents, donors, and partners. Your collective efforts have given DC youth safe, nurturing spaces to learn, grow, and lead. From navigating life’s challenges to stepping into leadership roles, our students are making bold strides because of the foundation this community helped us build.

When you read this report, I hope it leaves you feeling motivated and more aware of how you can play a crucial role in creating opportunities for our youth. As we look ahead to the new year, let’s continue celebrating our differences and unite with a shared purpose. Together, we grow stronger, and together, we will build an even brighter future

Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: Honoring Our Retiring Board Members

December 20, 2024

We honor the remarkable legacy of three dedicated board members as they conclude their tenure with Kid Power. Their dedication, expertise, and support have been vital to our organization’s growth and success. Each of these individuals has played a pivotal role in shaping Kid Power into the thriving organization it is today.

Joining the Board in 2013, Faheem Rahaman brought financial expertise and steadfast leadership during pivotal moments in Kid Power’s history. As Treasurer from 2014 to 2019, he guided the organization through challenging financial periods, ensuring stability and sustainability. His meticulous financial management, strategic planning, and creation of conservative budgets laid the groundwork for Kid Power’s long-term growth and success, including establishing a reserve fund to support program expansion.

Faheem’s contributions extended beyond finance. He was a key voice during two major strategic planning processes, helping to align Kid Power’s financial strategies with its broader mission of empowering youth. His passion for youth development inspired his involvement in fundraising efforts, where he championed new approaches to donor engagement and helped secure critical resources for the organization. Known for his sense of humor, work ethic, and camaraderie, Faheem’s presence has been a source of inspiration and positivity. While he may be stepping down from the Board, he will continue to support our communities and local youth.

Joining Kid Power in 2016, Jim Shipe has been a steadfast advocate for equity and youth empowerment throughout his eight years of service. His legal expertise and commitment to operational transparency made him an invaluable asset to the Board Governance and Development Committee. Jim played an instrumental role in crafting policies that strengthened operational oversight and accountability.

He also supported new board member training, ensuring incoming members were well-equipped to contribute to Kid Power’s mission. In 2021, Jim took on the role of Vice Chair, where his strategic insights guided Kid Power through significant organizational growth and risk analysis. As a dedicated DC resident, Jim’s passion for supporting students furthest from opportunity translated into impactful donor introductions and in-kind contributions that benefited our programs. Jim’s positivity, dedication, and sense of humor created a welcoming and collaborative environment, making him a trusted advisor and friend to many.

Since joining the Board in 2016 through the Compass On Board Program, Peter Slone has been a driving force behind Kid Power’s strategic growth. Serving as Secretary from 2020 to 2024, Peter brought a wealth of corporate expertise and a deep commitment to our mission.
Peter’s enthusiasm for education and youth empowerment was evident in his hands-on involvement with Kid Power programs. He was particularly passionate about supporting Middle School PowerBlazers activities, where he volunteered to lead mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and student career development sessions. His mentorship and guidance left a lasting impression, inspiring students to pursue their aspirations.

Beyond programming, Peter played a key role in two Compass pro bono projects on funding strategy and strategic alignment, providing Kid Power with valuable tools to improve fundraising and operational efficiency. As part of the Fundraising and Communications Committee, he developed innovative donor outreach strategies and contributed to event planning, including successful silent auctions that exceeded expectations.

Peter also served on the Executive Committee, providing critical guidance during strategic planning processes and helped navigate key organizational decisions, including the successful merger with Mentors, Inc. in 2019. His collaborative approach and genuine passion for the mission inspired peers and staff, leaving a legacy of excellence and dedication.

Faheem, Peter, and Jim have each contributed profoundly and uniquely to Kid Power’s success. Their visionary leadership and passion have shaped our organization, helping us reach new heights and impacting countless lives. Though they are retiring from the Board, their legacy will continue to inspire us, and we know they will always remain part of the Kid Power family. Thank you for your extraordinary contributions; you are forever Kid Power champions!

Kid Power Rooftop Garden Coming to Ward 8

Nikki Oliver, VeggieTime Director
December 10, 2024

The VeggieTime Enrichment Project has partnered with the University of the District of Columbia and Black Nurses Rock to create a rooftop garden at Stanton Elementary, our partner school in Ward 8. Slated to launch in Spring 2025, this innovative space will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, from cultivating fresh veggies to exploring hydroponics using a state-of-the-art grow tower gifted by the Department of Agriculture.
The garden will serve as more than just a space for planting; it will be a hub for discovery and growth. Students will engage in interactive horticulture, nutrition, and sustainability lessons, fostering a deeper connection to food and health.
In partnership with Black Nurses Rock, a nonprofit that assembles black nurses to make a difference in their communities, VeggieTime will inspire young minds to explore health and wellness through workshops and culinary hospitality experiences. VeggieTime Director Nikki Oliver is ecstatic about the partnership, “VeggieTime has been so well-received!” she says. Follow us on social media for project updates.

Building the Future: Introducing Kid Power’s New Board of Directors
October 17, 2024
PICTURE: IN FOLDER

We are excited to announce the addition of our Board of Directors. These accomplished and passionate individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse expertise to our organization. With their leadership, we are confident they will make a lasting, positive impact as we continue to drive our mission forward.

Patrick DiSalvo has worked for the past 16 years to educate, advocate, provide opportunities, and support young people, families, and communities in Harlem, New York, and the Washington, DC Metro region. Patrick began his work in education by teaching special education as a Teach for America Corps member. He then worked for Kid Power as a Site Director and Middle School Director and received a Master’s in Social Work at Catholic University in 2015. Since then, he practiced psychotherapy both at middle schools and high schools for seven years in Washington, DC, and then began working at a small practice in Maryland, serving youth, young adults, and parents with a variety of mental health needs. In September 2024, Patrick formed his agency, Patrick DiSalvo LCSWC, LLC, to provide psychotherapy services. He is thrilled to be a Kid Power Board of Directors member, as he has a passion for youth engagement and development in our region.

Brian Seliber is a Vice President and Business Banking Relationship Manager at Hingham Institution for Savings. He partners with business owners and nonprofit executives as their full-service banking advisor. Hingham is one of America’s oldest banks, and Washington, DC, is one of its newest markets. Before joining Hingham, Brian worked at City National Bank, where he was an original team member who opened the bank’s flagship office in the mid-Atlantic in 2018. Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Washington & Lee University. He is an alumnus of the Leadership Montgomery Emerging Leaders Program. Brian proudly volunteers as a career advisor and fundraising captain with AsylumWorks, a local nonprofit organization providing direct services and support to asylum seekers and their families throughout the DC region. Brian’s dedication to supporting his community through volunteerism and mentorship exemplifies his commitment to making a meaningful impact both in and out of the workplace.

Nick Zillo is a proud DC native and serves as the Associate Director of Internal Audit & Financial Advisory at Protiviti, where he has amassed over 12 years of extensive experience in areas such as process improvement, risk management, business transformation, change management, quality management, internal audit, and assurance services. His expertise has been honed through work with a diversified portfolio of clients across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Nick is passionate about giving back to the DC community by supporting DC Public Schools. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Spanish from the University of Maryland, further shaping his commitment to fostering education and inspiring youth in the region. Nick’s enthusiasm for joining our Board of Directors reflects his dedication to our mission, and we are confident his leadership and vision will play a pivotal role in helping us achieve our goals. We are excited to work alongside him and look forward to the impact he will make.