Sheena Kadi, MBA, is a dedicated advocate with over 20 years of experience advancing LGBTQ rights and progressive causes. A queer, Arab millennial, she began her journey by founding PRISM, Ohio’s first LGBTQ student group at a Catholic university, and has since led campaigns to combat discrimination, pass inclusive policies, and build bipartisan coalitions.
As Toledo’s first LGBTQ Liaison, Sheena helped the city earn its first 100% score on the HRC Municipal Equality Index. She contributed to the historic Obergefell v. Hodges case, securing marriage equality nationwide, and played pivotal roles in banning conversion therapy and passing Jude’s Law in Colorado.
Now living and working between Los Angeles and Denver, Sheena continues to champion equity and representation for marginalized communities. With a career spanning grassroots activism and national campaigns—including work for President Obama and Hillary Clinton—she remains committed to driving meaningful change.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days are often a mix of strategy, collaboration, and creativity. Mornings typically start with a morning workout and breakfast, followed by meetings with my team or community partners. I dedicate time to storytelling—whether it’s crafting a campaign message or preparing for an upcoming advocacy event. Productivity, for me, comes from intentional focus and setting clear goals for each day. I break tasks into smaller, actionable steps and always leave room for reflection.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas come to life through collaboration. I start by listening—to communities, stakeholders, or those directly impacted by an issue. Then, I shape those insights into a cohesive plan and bring the right people together to execute it. For example, while leading the campaign to ban conversion therapy in Colorado, we amplified personal stories and paired them with data to create a compelling narrative that resonated with legislators and the public.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited about the intersection of technology and advocacy. Digital platforms are making it easier to amplify marginalized voices and build movements globally. Tools like virtual organizing and AI-driven storytelling allow us to reach audiences we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Daily reflection has been a game-changer for me. At the end of each day, I take a few minutes to review what went well, what could have gone better, what I could have tried differently, and what I need to prioritize tomorrow. It keeps me grounded and aligned with my larger goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to embrace vulnerability and not shy away from sharing her story. Our struggles and triumphs are our greatest strengths, and authenticity is what connects us to others. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help—you don’t have to do it all alone.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I firmly believe that vulnerability is one of the most powerful leadership traits. While many see it as a weakness, I’ve found it to be a bridge to trust, empathy, and stronger connections.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Practice gratitude. Taking a moment to acknowledge what you’re grateful for—whether it’s a supportive team or a small win—can shift your mindset and fuel your motivation.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and reconnect with nature. Whether it’s a quick walk or kayaking on a nearby lake, being outdoors clears my mind and helps me refocus. If that’s not an option, I turn to music—it has a way of grounding me.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Building genuine relationships has been key. Advocacy and leadership are built on trust, and that starts with listening and showing up for others. Those relationships have led to collaborations that have driven both legislative success and personal growth.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I underestimated the power of storytelling and leaned too heavily on data alone. I learned that while facts are important, it’s stories that inspire and move people to action. I began incorporating personal narratives into every campaign, which transformed how I approached advocacy.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A digital storytelling platform tailored for grassroots advocates. It could help individuals record and share their stories in a way that connects with policymakers and broader audiences, bridging the gap between personal experiences and systemic change.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello has been a lifesaver for organizing campaigns and team projects. I use it to break down complex initiatives into manageable tasks, assign responsibilities, and track progress in real time.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Brittney Griner’s Coming Home is a powerful memoir that deeply resonates with those navigating personal identity, resilience, and self-discovery. Through raw honesty, she shares her struggles and triumphs, shedding light on the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. I gained valuable insights into perseverance, the courage to stand in one’s truth, and the importance of using platforms to inspire change. For anyone seeking empowerment and a deeper understanding of identity, Coming Home offers a compelling narrative of strength, vulnerability, and transformation.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched The West Wing. Its portrayal of idealism, leadership, and navigating complex issues reminds me why I got into advocacy—to make a difference, no matter how challenging the road might be.
Key learnings
1. Authentic leadership is rooted in vulnerability, collaboration, and storytelling.
2. Building genuine relationships and practicing gratitude are essential for personal and professional growth.
3. Embracing reflection and nature can help maintain focus and resilience in challenging times.