Kim Emch
Founder and Executive Director, Festa
Kimberly J. Emch is a rare first-hand knowledge speaker in a world where 90% of information we learn is from second-hand sources. As an innovative nonprofit founder, social justice entrepreneur, and high-energy communicator Kim mobilizes communities to address suburban poverty through practical solutions resulting in life-changing relationships and stronger communities that move people out of poverty. She is known for compelling, inspirational storytelling and real-world tools that audiences can apply immediately and her ability to unite large groups of diverse people and partners around a shared cause.
.jpg)
Speaking Topics
-
The Essence of Ethnic Difference (Dr. Edwin Nicols' Training): A practical, hopeful framework for understanding ethnic differences and building healthy cross-cultural relationships that strengthen communities.
-
Poverty Simulations & Presentations: Immersive experiences and teaching that reveal the hidden realities of poverty and activate audiences toward meaningful, dignity-centered responses.
-
Volunteering: Mobilizing the Community to Serve: How to recruit, train, empower, and retain volunteers in a way that builds belonging and produces measurable community impact.
-
Shame & Honor (Biblical-Based): A biblically grounded look at shame and honor dynamics, and how understanding them transforms communication, discipleship and neighbor-care.
-
Eastern & Western Culture: A bridge-building session on cultural worldview differences and how to lead, communicate, and serve more effectively across them.
-
Flagship Programs at Festa: Real-world blueprints and stories behind Festa’s Summer Lunch Camps and 3-Generation Family English (Family ESL) programs - why it works and how to replicate it.
-
Business ESL: English is the first rung on the workforce ladder. Creating out of the box English language solutions to meet corporate, individual and community needs.
-
Founder’s Story: Finding a Community Need & Doing Something About It: Kim’s journey from noticing a gap to building a movement—practical lessons in courage, listening and launching what your community truly needs.
-
Bringing People Together Across Lines of Difference: Tools for building trust across socio-economic, cultural, racial, ethnic, and religious differences through life-changing relationships.
-
Rallying Community Support Around a Cause: How to unify schools, churches, nonprofits, businesses and neighbors into one shared mission with clarity, joy and staying power.
-
Current Trends Affecting Adult ESOL Learners and Programs: barriers learners face, assessments and placements of learners, wrap-around services and funding for programs.
Interested in booking Kim Emch for a speaking engagement?
.jpg)
Awards & Recognition
-
5 Nonprofits To Watch 2026 Award by The Columbus Fondation
-
Stand Together Catalyst Impact Grant program recipient (2025 & 2026)
-
Stand Together Catalyst Program graduate (2023)
-
Stand Together Foundation “Most Transformative Nonprofits” (2021)
-
2018 Graduated from DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative
-
Awarded ‘Friend of Public Education’ by Central Region of the Ohio School Boards Association in 2017
-
One of 20 Columbus Ohio finalists for a 2017 Jefferson Award
-
New American Advisory Council for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners 2017–2022





-
2016 Junior League of Columbus Community Award Winner
-
Former board member of Mission Columbus 2015–2019
-
2015 the Hilliard Free Summer Lunch Program was named “Ohio’s summer nutrition program of the year” by Children’s Hunger Alliance
-
Capital University’s 2012 Alumni Distinguished Service Award
-
Sunny 95’s 20 Most Outstanding Women 2012
-
Asset Builder Award 2010
-
Living Faith Award 2009
-
Young Church Woman 2008