Kali Thorne Ladd is the Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Institute, a leading policy organization dedicated to advancing early childhood education and
well-being.
She previously co-founded and served as the Executive Director of KairosPDX, a culturally specific organization and school committed to eliminating educational opportunity and achievement gaps for historically underserved children. Kali is also co-founder of TASTE for Equity, a first of its kind food and wine event, now in its 6th year with over 500 people attending, focused on lifting up chefs and winemakers of color as well as bringing together community across difference to celebrate equity wins. She now serves on the board.
Kali’s additional experiences include running for and winning election to serve on the Portland Community College Board of Directors where she also served as Chair, a 10 year appointment to the Governor’s Early Learning Council, Board member of the National Early Relational Health Network, Board member of the Early Health and Education Collaborative, Founder and Board member of the Center for Black Excellence, and Board member of the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation a major funder of education and the arts in Oregon. In 2017, Kali was recognized in Portland Business Journal’s 40 under 40 professionals. In 2018, Kali was recognized as a PBJ Woman of Influence.
Kali resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband of 18 years, her two teenage kids and their affable Black Lab.
