40 Under Forty Awards 2024
Kaleigh Perkins | 32
Chief Operating Officer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island
What is the biggest challenge currently facing your industry and how are you responding to it? Securing funding. Inflation continues to rise, resulting in greater expenses, while at the same time companies are cutting back on funding. While all funding is greatly appreciated, we need funders to understand the overall picture of our programs. In responding to this challenge, I have spent time educating funders on the needs of the nonprofit field. Additionally, we have been amplifying our efforts by creating new events to support our fundraising initiatives.
What was your first job? My first job was at Overlook Nursing Home in Burrillville. I worked as a dietary aide and supervisor in the kitchen.
What advice would you give your 22-year-old self? At 22, I’d remind myself to have more confidence in my abilities.
What is your favorite Rhode Island food or drink? Chowder and clam cakes.
What was your last streaming or cable binge watch? I stream “Gilmore Girls” over and over and over again.
What is your preferred source for national news? TikTok.
What led you to pursuing a career in your current industry? When I was growing up, I lived in a two-parent, low-income household. They had to work extra hours just to pay the rent, which meant they weren’t always around. As a kid, I didn’t really get how much it affected me. But looking back, I realize how lucky I was to have teachers, social workers and other adults step in as mentors.