Today we’d like to introduce you to Margi Malek.
Hi Margi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Kids for Peace was founded in 2006 by Jill McManigal, a mother of two and former teacher and Danielle Gram, a 16 year old high school with a big dream: to create a more kind, compassionate, and peaceful world. What began in Jill’s backyard with a small group of kids in Carlsbad, California, quickly blossomed into a global movement. Today, Kids for Peace has grown into a vibrant nonprofit reaching millions of youth in over 135 countries through uplifting programs like The Great Kindness Challenge, which is now embraced by more than 41,000 schools worldwide.
Inspired by the powerful impact of kindness in schools and communities, the Kindness Certified Company (KCC) program was launched to extend this mission into the workplace. We partnered with
Bret Shanzenbach, CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce to invite businesses to join our corporate kindness initiative and commit to weaving kindness into their culture, relationships, and operations. In return, they earn the meaningful designation of being a Kindness Certified Company — a badge of honor that demonstrates their dedication to doing good while doing well.
Together, we are building a more connected, compassionate world — one kind act (and company) at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many grassroots efforts, Kids for Peace began with a dream, a handful of volunteers, and very limited resources. In the early days, one of our biggest challenges was simply being heard. We had this beautiful idea — empowering kids to lead with kindness — but we were competing with loud, fast-paced societal messages that often didn’t prioritize compassion or emotional well-being.
Funding was another major hurdle. For years, we operated on a shoestring budget, with our founders often dipping into their own pockets to cover basic expenses. There were moments when we questioned whether we could sustain our work — but we never questioned the value of it.
Scaling our programs presented its own learning curve. As The Great Kindness Challenge rapidly expanded from one school to tens of thousands around the world, we had to develop new systems, materials, and training to support schools of all sizes and cultures — all while staying true to our core mission.
There were also emotional struggles. When your work is rooted in kindness, your heart is always on the line. We’ve walked with children through devastating events — school shootings, natural disasters, and deep personal losses — and worked tirelessly to respond with care and resilience.
But through it all, we held onto our belief in the power of kids and the power of kindness. And every challenge became an opportunity — to grow, to adapt, and to deepen our commitment. Today, those struggles are woven into the fabric of our story, making our successes even more meaningful.
We continue to look for funding to keep us sustainable and welcome sponsors who believe in the power of kindness, empowering our youth, and businesses! Kids for Peace does so much with such a small staff!!! There are only 3 people who run the programs and maintain our global impact!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m proud to serve Kids for Peace as the Kindness Certified Company Director for the last 3 years.
Before joining the team in this capacity, I spent 37 beautiful years as an educator. I had the joy of integrating Kids for Peace programs into my classroom, and I witnessed firsthand how these tools transformed our school culture. My students led assemblies, created peace clubs, and truly became ambassadors of kindness. I saw shy kids gain confidence, tough kids soften, and entire classrooms come alive with empathy.
One of the most moving moments of my journey was during a Kids for Peace service trip to Africa. I visited the Kids for Peace School in Kenya — a vibrant, joy-filled place built by love and generosity. Meeting the children, hearing them recite the Peace Pledge, and knowing that this school was a direct result of our global kindness movement brought tears to my eyes. It was proof that kindness truly knows no borders. I knew then I needed to get involved and having been serving on the Board of Directors for 7 years!
What sets Kids for Peace apart is our unwavering belief in the power of youth. We don’t just teach kids to be kind — we empower them to lead with kindness. We believe in creating ripple effects that start in classrooms and communities and extend around the world.
And what sets me apart is that I’ve lived both sides of this work — as a teacher and now as a kindness ambassador. I’ve seen the transformation it brings, and I’ve felt its impact in my heart. I believe with everything in me that kindness is not a soft skill — it’s a superpower. And it’s one we can all choose to cultivate.
It is my deep honor to serve as the Kindness Certified Company Director, where I have the joy of inviting businesses to be the change we wish to see in the world. Every day, I’m inspired by the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Through our program, we unite purpose-driven companies that are committed to leading with kindness, making a meaningful difference in their workplaces, communities, and beyond. Together, we are proving that kindness is not only good for the heart — it’s good for business, too.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is creating a neighborhood play school when I was 14 years old. Wanting to earn a little money over the summer, I charged 50 cents for three hours of care per child and filled each day with fun activities for the local kids.
That’s when I met Becky, a sweet little girl with muscular dystrophy. Despite her physical challenges, Becky radiated kindness and love to everyone around her. Her gentle spirit and joyful presence touched me deeply. It was through my experience with Becky that I realized my calling — I wanted to become a teacher, especially one who supports children with special needs.
Pricing:
- $150 Annual KCC fee for Chamber Members
- $200 Annual KCC fee for non-Chamber members 0-25 employees
- $250 Annual KCC fee for 25-100 employees
- $500 Annual KCC fee for 100-500 employees
- $1,000 Annual KCC fee for 1,000+ employees
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kindnesscertified.org and www.kidsforpeaceglobal.org
Image Credits
Margi Malek, Kids for Peace
