The PeaceJam Foundation is an international organization whose mission is to create young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates who pass on the spirit, skills, and wisdom they embody. Their purpose is to provide young people with the mentors, tools and community support to realize their potential and work together to envision and build a better world. The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation was introduced to this amazing organization late last year, and has been working collaboratively with them as #Partners4Peace to promote Mattie’s message that “Peace is Possible!” PeaceJam Executive Director Dr. Kate Cumbo says, “Let Mattie’s words ring out across the globe – then let’s all get work together to make it happen!”
In addition to her Executive Director role, Kate is the author of PeaceJam’s award-winning curricula, including the innovative Bullying Prevention Program, “Compassion in Action.” For 15 years, she has worked directly with PeaceJam’s 14 Nobel Peace Laureates to inspire 1.25 million youth and educators in 41 countries to address today’s most pressing issues and to build more inclusive communities. Dr. Cumbo has coordinated more than 150 youth conferences around the world promoting global citizenship, civil discourse and nonviolent strategies for change.
Dr. Cumbo has a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado-Boulder and served as Director of Service-Learning for the Colorado Department of Education from 1999-2004. She was appointed to the Colorado Governor’s Commission on Service and has been a national consultant for organizations such as the Corporation for National & Community Service and international organizations in Europe, Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia. She has five years of teaching experience at the university level, 20 years of evaluation experience, and has conducted trainings and keynote addresses around the globe on topics youth leadership, civic engagements, bullying prevention, and most recently, youth solutions to gun violence. She is passionate about equal education access for all young people.
Reflecting on the excellent synergy between PeaceJam and Mattie’s Foundation, Kate reflects, “Mattie’s profound commitment to peace was beyond his years – he was truly a Nobel Peace Laureate in training. We at PeaceJam are working to create a generation of young people like Mattie who will show the world how to create peace. We believe we are fulfilling Mattie’s legacy through our work, and look forward to seeing what we can do together.”
