15 Kids to 100,000: How Kupenda Scales Disability Inclusion Through Others

Transforming Attitudes and Building Communities: How Kupenda Promotes Disability Inclusion and Breaks Down Stigma Cynthia Bauer of Kupenda shares her journey from wildlife biology to leading a global movement against disability stigma. Learn how strategic partnerships, grassroots work, and smart measurement tools drive lasting change worldwide.In this episode:Cindy's story and Kupenda's originsHow disability stigma is rooted in cultural beliefsScaling impact through local partner organizationsKey partnerships (World Hope International, World Relief)Faith and community leaders' role in reducing stigmaFundraising lessons: skip capital campaigns, build long-term relationshipsMeasuring impact, from workshops to community ripple effectsLessons from unsuccessful initiatives like teacher trainingIntegrating disability into development and social justiceHow philanthropic funding is allocated todayTimestamps:00:00 - Intro to Cynthia and Kupenda00:21 - Cindy's story, discovering stigma in Kenya01:36 - Kupenda's accidental founding02:55 - From basic aid to root causes03:34 - Faith and community leaders shifting beliefs04:36 - What Kupenda does today; meaning of the name05:57 - Engaging influencers for inclusion06:27 - Scaling via local partnerships07:37 - Early fundraising, hiring a development director09:14 - Government/foundation funding & measurement10:53 - Demonstrating impact through studies, stories11:46 - Lessons from teacher-training setbacks12:28 - Influencing others without direct implementation13:03 - Building disability-inclusive development models14:19 - Partnerships in Sierra Leone and Malawi15:56 - Reach: working with 27+ organizations16:51 - Storytelling and communicating impact18:02 - Measuring stigma reduction, transformation22:27 - Case story: a mother and her children23:45 - Lessons from failed quick fixes, segregated education26:01 - Fundraising pitfalls: capital campaigns, one-off events28:51 - Mindset shift during crises like COVID-1929:20 - Cindy's vision for Kupenda's next decade31:09 - Disability as a shared development lens32:52 - State of philanthropic giving to disability causes33:33 - Impact of shifting perceptions, systemic inclusion34:16 - How to connect with Cynthia and KupendaResources & Links:The Kipos Group WebsiteSchedule a Discovery Call with JamesConnect with James Misner on LinkedinConnect with Cindy:Kupenda Official WebsiteDocumentary: Climbing Kilimanjaro with Kids with DisabilitiesUnlikely Gifts Podcast Connect with Cynthia Bauer on Linkedin