Kelly Strongitharm is the Founder and CEO of Ruben's Shoes Society, an organization she first imagined in 2012 on a trip to The Dominican Republic to visit her sponsored child, Ruben. Seeing that children could not go to school because they lacked proper footwear, Kelly identified an opportunity to help. What began as a simple idea to collect gently-used shoes to support access to necessary early education quickly turned into an international mission. Ruben's Shoes Society is now building schools and creating proprietary education programs that empower the next generation of leaders worldwide. More importantly, it is shining a light on the greater need to stand up to stereotypes and bring awareness to the reality of children's lives in countries across the world.
As a child of adoption, Kelly understands the profound need for all children to know belonging and connection. In 2020, Kelly became a new mom to a beautiful boy from Haiti, and her mission to create impact at home as well as abroad became her next great purpose. I am Emmanuel is Kelly's first book. Its goal is to promote education, encourage representation and establish a connection for all young readers, including her son, Fanelson. Kelly hopes that your children see themselves in Emmanuel's character, too, and understand that it is possible to embrace our similarities while also celebrating our unique differences.
