It all started with a “giving back” volunteer trip to Nepal in 2019, which set the wheels in motion.

Kathleen McCabe, Founder and President of Heartsteps Foundation, just knew that Nepal was where her heart and energy would stay. She was transformed by the peaceful Nepali culture, the raw beauty of the rugged landscape, and the endurance of the people— particularly the children.

After seeing the crying need for the basics—like school uniforms and warm outerwear—to help the children attend school in the remote regions of the Himalayas, Kathleen and two dear friends from Canada and England undertook several years of initiating grassroots fundraising efforts supporting children’s education, particularly in remote rural mountain areas. Kathleen has since expanded Heartsteps Foundation’s mission to include healthcare, and sustainable (organic) farming.

Kathleen visualized an organization that could partner with, and empower, communities to dream, change, and grow.

Heartsteps Foundation, established in 2023, is focused on Kathleen’s projects in Nepal, as well as key initiatives driven by fellow Heartsteps Board members. In Uganda, support is centered on children’s education, and in Kenya, the work focuses on sustainability, and women’s education and empowerment.

Kim spent a year of her childhood living in Europe. This formative period fostered an openness and curiosity towards different ways of living. At Arizona State University she found a love for flying and obtained a Bachelors degree in Aeronautics - Flight Option. She began her career instructing flight students at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. After a brief stint at the commuter airlines she moved on to Continental Micronesia Airlines on Guam. There the routes covered Japan, Indonesia and the Pacific Islands giving her her first international flight experience. She then transitioned to corporate aviation where she worked for and retired from Netjets Aviation, Inc. She flew domestic for many years and had the opportunity to base in Paris for six months. The last four years she flew Bombardier long-range aircraft to global destinations.

Since retirement Kim had the opportunity to join a photographic tour of the tribes and the animals of Western Kenya. The stories and struggles of these tribes have inspired a continuous journey to explore and create pathways of empowerment and hope for women and children. Upon returning from Kenya, along with a close friend, Kim hosted a community fundraiser for the school age children of the Amboselli Maasai so that every child could go to school that year. Now, purchasing a new home in Loreto, Mexico has given Kim a new platform to connect even more to the local people, support dreams, strengthen resources and help build future possibilities for the women and children in her close knit community.

For G.E. Perlin, creativity has always been more than expression—it’s connection. A multidisciplinary artist, writer, and strategist, he joins the Heartsteps Foundation Board with a focus on brand development, storytelling, and outreach, particularly within the Ugandan sector.

G.E.’s path has been a tapestry of art, technology, and humanity. From directing motion design campaigns for global brands such as Microsoft, Salesforce, and Expedia, to writing immersive novels and creating evocative fine art, his work has always centered on the emotional pulse that drives people to care, to act, and to believe in something bigger than themselves.

He was drawn to Heartsteps not only for its mission but for its heart—the belief that change begins with compassion, and that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and hope. Through story, design, and community engagement, G.E. aims to help amplify the voices of the children and families Heartsteps supports, building bridges of understanding that extend far beyond borders.

In joining Heartsteps, he brings with him a deep respect for culture, an instinct for meaningful narrative, and a conviction that art—when rooted in empathy—can truly move the world forward.

Wendy Perlin is an experienced legal professional with over 20 years in the legal industry, focusing primarily on transactional law. Her work has included extensive involvement in corporate governance, compliance, and organizational structuring, providing her with a strong foundation for her role as Secretary of the Board.

Wendy brings a practical, detail-oriented approach to governance, with a clear understanding of the importance of accurate records, regulatory compliance, and effective board operations.

She and her husband, Gary, have been dedicated supporters of the organization since approximately 2021, contributing through both financial support and ongoing engagement. Gary joined the Board last year and currently serves as the Marketing Coordinator for Heartsteps. They are deeply passionate about the organization’s mission and are committed to helping it grow and thrive in the years ahead.