‘We Have to Be the Change We Are Hoping to See’: Interview with President & CEO, Kimberly Watson

Graham continues to be a leader in a movement we’ve called “the Reckoning,” addressing harms caused by the child welfare system as we move toward creating positive community supports for families. 

President & CEO, Kym Watson, recently spoke with Urban Matters about how the Reckoning has shaped Graham’s new mission and Vision 2029 strategic plan. Graham will center its work around:  

• Developing alternatives to foster care that eliminate harm; 

• In partnership with communities, providing support for family wellbeing;  

• Helping youth and parents lead healthy, prosperous lives; and  

• Further advancing a thriving ‘One Graham’ culture. 

In the article, Kym discusses how the Reckoning conversations began, how peer organizations have reacted to Graham’s position, and what the shift away from traditional foster care will mean for staff. She also shares how her own experiences with the child welfare system have informed her outlook on the work: “My personal experience with the child welfare system coupled with my professional training has been instructive for me. I understand how reckoning with the harm of the child welfare system lands on each party because I’ve been in almost everyone’s shoes.”