DIDO BALLA APPOINTED AS NEW CEO OF KINDNESS MATTERS 365
BOCA RATON, FL — Kindness Matters 365 (KM365), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering youth development and emotional well-being, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dido Balla as its new Chief Executive Officer. Balla, an accomplished educator, international speaker, and nonprofit founder, joins KM365 with over a decade of experience in social-emotional learning (SEL) and youth development across U.S. and global communities. His leadership marks a new chapter for KM365 as it expands its impact on children, teens, and communities nationwide.
Balla’s background is a powerful blend of classroom teaching, international training, and program development. He holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University and has dedicated his career to promoting emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and positive psychology. Known for his expertise in SEL, Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), and Education Leadership, Balla has trained educators and administrators from diverse school districts across the United States, including California, New York, Illinois, and Montana. His work has also spanned globally, impacting Jordan, Ukraine, Romania, Brazil, the Philippines, and Grenada.
Before joining KM365, Balla was the Head of Education for MindUP, The Goldie Hawn Foundation’s preventative mental health program. In this role, he pioneered SEL initiatives for students worldwide, creating a platform for young people to develop emotional regulation, resilience, compassion, and interpersonal skills. Balla is also the founder of FitLit, a nonprofit that empowers youth by combining fitness and literacy, supporting well-rounded growth in young people.
As the new CEO of KM365, Balla will further the organization’s mission of fostering youth development and well-being through education, discovery, and community engagement. Through KM365 programs, participants develop resilience, empathy, and essential life skills for emotional well-being and kindness towards themselves, others, and the world.
“There has never been a more critical time to provide youth with tools for emotional well-being and kindness,” said Balla. “I am honored to work with the incredible team, partners, and supporters who share our vision for a world where young people are empowered to care for themselves, each other, and the world around them.”
Karin Gellen, KM365 Executive Director, welcomes Balla excitedly, stating, “With Dido’s appointment, KM365 aims to expand its reach and impact further, offering transformative programs that help children and teens build emotional resilience and a strong sense of community.”
Adds KM365 Founder Laura Reiss, “Dido’s proven track record and commitment to youth empowerment make him an ideal leader to guide KM365’s vision into the future. We are beyond grateful and excited to have him on board.”
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ABOUT KINDNESS MATTERS 365
Kindness Matters 365 (KM365) is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a vision to create a world of gratitude, compassion, and kindness. Through our signature programs, participants explore the KM365 Framework of topics to develop resilience, empathy, essential life skills for emotional well-being, and compassion toward ourselves, others, and the world. Since 2008, KM365 has grown to encompass 140 programs positively impacting over 25,000 participants in 12 states. For more information about KM365 and its programming, visit kindnessmatters365.org. Follow KM365 on social media via Facebook @kindnessmatters365org and Instagram @kindnessmatters365.
