partners
in change

Kimberly Sama is the senior director of network impact at StriveTogether, where she leads strategies and offerings that strengthen the capacity of Cradle to Career Network members. She oversees member engagement, targeted supports and learning opportunities designed to help communities improve outcomes for youth and families. In this role, Kimberly manages a team — including StriveTogether’s Network Advisors — and collaborates across departments to continuously improve the organization’s approach to network engagement. Her work ensures place-based partnerships have the tools and supports needed to drive better outcomes for youth and families, enabling communities to put more young people on a path to economic mobility.

Prior to joining StriveTogether, Kim held leadership roles in global and local organizations focused on systems transformation and community development. She served as chief finance and operations officer at UP Partnership, a Cradle to Career Network member, and as chief innovation officer at Family Service Association in San Antonio. Internationally, she was the managing director for Muso in Mali and the women’s economic and social empowerment manager and technical consultant for the International Rescue Committee in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Across her 20-year career, Kim has worked alongside communities in 10 countries to co-design programs, influence policy and strengthen organizational systems to improve outcomes for children and families.

Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, language and culture from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University, and an Associate Coaching Certification from the International Coaching Federation. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, where she enjoys exploring the outdoors and volunteering with her son.