About this episode

The debut episode features Kierra Johnson sharing her journey with So Kids SOAR and the impact of mentorship.

Welcome to the debut episode of Soaring High with So Kids SOAR! Hosted by Michael Simmons and Glenda Fu Smith, this podcast highlights the inspiring stories of participants, graduates, parents, and partners of the So Kids SOAR (formerly Dreams for Kids) community. In this episode, Glenda, Executive Director of So Kids SOAR, shares the mission of this incredible nonprofit—empowering youth with physical and developmental disabilities through adaptive sports, vocational training, and community-building programs. Our special guest, Kierra Johnson, a 2022 graduate of the Your Path to Success vocational program, reflects on her journey from participant to full-time staff member at So Kids SOAR. She opens up about overcoming challenges, the impact of mentorship, and the confidence-building experiences that shaped her path. Plus, we introduce a fun segment highlighting unique talents, featuring a game of P.I.G. with a charitable twist! Thank you to our sponsors Panda Exteriors and The Kimsey Foundation! https://www.pandaexteriors.com https://www.kimseyfoundation.org Join us as we celebrate resilience, community, and the power of believing in every individual's ability to SOAR…

People in this episode

Hosts: Michael Simmons, Glenda Fu Smith

Guest: Kierra Johnson

Topics covered

• adaptive sports
• youth empowerment
• mentorship
• community building
• resilience

Keywords

• So Kids SOAR
• adaptive sports
• vocational training
• youth with disabilities
• mentorship
• community

Sponsors

Panda Exteriors, The Kimsey Foundation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: So Kids SOAR, Dreams for Kids

More episodes of Soaring High with So Kids SOAR

• Community Champions · July 21, 2026 · 28 min
• Riding to the Goal · June 18, 2026 · 32 min
• Community and Culture · February 6, 2026 · 27 min
• Accomplished Activists · November 12, 2025 · 33 min
• Ode to OT · October 15, 2025 · 27 min
• Funders to Family · June 2, 2025 · 37 min

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