By: Jasmine La Faye Blandford

NEW YORK CITY – On November 21, 2024, The Kindr Foundation debuted its groundbreaking Kindness Effect Summit at The Set, Hudson Yards. Sponsored by Happy Coffee, Pharmacopia, and Medium Rare Catering, the event brought together an eclectic mix of thought leaders from neuroscience, psychiatry, education, public health, media, technology, and philanthropy. With an emphasis on how kindness can revolutionize mental health, strengthen communities, and spark innovation in the workplace, the summit left attendees inspired and equipped to foster real change.

The foundation, co-led by career educators Dr. Doug Carnine and Dr. Linda Carnine, has a storied history rooted in the transformative power of kindness. Having already impacted nearly 800,000 students and 7,000 incarcerated adults, the Carnines are on a mission to extend their “Mindful Kindness” framework—a philosophy that blends mindfulness with compassionate action—into every facet of society.

A Legacy of Kindness

Dr. Doug Carnine, a Professor Emeritus at the University of Oregon, has spent his career championing equitable opportunities for the most vulnerable populations and evidence-based education. His journey, which began with school and policy reform, evolved into a focus on kindness as a cornerstone for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

With her expertise in curriculum development and special education, Dr. Linda Carnine has been a tireless advocate for marginalized communities. Together, the Carnines have spearheaded initiatives such as land restoration for Indigenous communities and kindness-based interventions for schools, prisons, and community organizations.

“We believe that small acts of kindness can spark a ripple effect, transforming lives and entire communities,” Dr. Doug Carnine explained. “Mindful Kindness isn’t just about individual happiness—it’s a framework for building stronger, happier, and more empathetic societies.”

Exploring the Science and Spirit of Kindness

The summit’s agenda showcased the multidimensional power of kindness, starting with opening remarks from Founder Dr. Doug Carnine, Rachel Karry, Chief Brand Officer and Head of Growth Strategy at Kindr Foundation, and Jody Weiss, Director of Development. The keynote speaker, Dr. Anna Yusim of the Yale Center for Mental Health & Spirituality, captivated the audience with her talk “What a Lack of Kindness Does to Society.” Dr. Yusim illuminated the consequences of an empathy deficit and the urgent need to address it in modern culture.

Panels like Teaching Kindness: Social Emotional Learning, led by Dr. Carnine and Dr. Donna Dwiggins, explored how kindness can be embedded in education systems to foster inclusive and resilient communities. Neuroscientists and Psychiatrists Dr. Eva Selhub, Dr. Kamran Fallahpour, and Dr. Kelli Harding shared their groundbreaking research in Your Brain on Kindness, revealing how kindness directly improves brain function and overall well-being.

In a compelling session titled The Bullied Brain vs. The Empowered Brain, Dr. Jen Fraser illustrated the neurological damage caused by bullying and the power of kindness-based interventions.

From Inspiration to Action

Building on the summit’s energy, the foundation hosted a follow-up PeopleKind workshop on November 22. Led by Shereen Eltobgy and Justin Freeman, this executive leadership session equipped HR professionals with tools to integrate mindful kindness into corporate culture. The workshop highlighted key drivers of trust, engagement, and sustainable growth.

The Kindr Foundation also unveiled its Mindful Kindness Programs, offering educational materials, narratives, and activities designed to teach positive mental health habits and friendship-building skills in schools, communities, and even prisons. These initiatives draw on research that demonstrates how mindful moments and small acts of kindness can create an “upward spiral” of emotional and social well-being—a concept the foundation calls The Kindness Effect.

A Call to Build a Kinder World

“Our hope is that the Kindness Effect Summit inspires people to not only embrace kindness but to use it as a tool to create lasting change in their own lives and communities,” said Dr. Linda Carnine.

Through their innovative programs and unwavering commitment, the Carnines are establishing a legacy of kindness that transcends classrooms and correctional facilities, touching lives in profound and lasting ways.

As the Kindr Foundation continues to expand its mission, this inaugural summit marks a pivotal step in reshaping how society values kindness, community, and connection—as a force for transformation and lasting happiness. 

For more information about the Kindr Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.bekindr.org.

Published by Zane L.