
What is KDF?
Karpe Diem Family is an organization driven by the desire of empowering youth and young adults. We help youth find their voice; their unique purpose through our programs that assist in identifying gifts, talents, and strengths in the people we serve through the creative arts. This builds inner confidence, which we believe is key to succeeding in one’s career, business, and in life. KDF is a distinct organization because we target key obstacles in our demographic. Many youth and young adults face issues with finding their identity, low self-worth, and low self-esteem. Our solutions that benefit the younger generation include implementing trauma-informed curriculum and promoting Social Emotional Learning and Healing Centered Engagement through our programs.
MISSION
To build a community of confident and fulfilled youth to discover their purpose and passion through the creative arts, Social Emotional Learning programs, Healing Centered Engagement, and mentorship. Youth increase their self-esteem while developing their writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills from our various programs and curriculum.
VISION
Empowering youth globally through the creative arts to know their purpose and actively pursue it, becoming change makers and confident leaders of the next generation through storytelling, art, and media.
Mentorship
KDF collaborates with creatives and entrepreneurs ready and able to invest in the development of young individuals. We screen potential mentors, linking them with mentees and their families. This community and family-centered approach enhances the potential in the youth we support.
KDF Board Members
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Fortune McDonald
President
As Founder and President of Karpe Diem Family, Fortune McDonald has pursued his passions of youth development and mentorship, combined with his experience as a poet, photographer, videographer, and entrepreneur to fulfill the mission of helping to grow confident and fulfilled youth through the arts. Fortune McDonald has worked in youth development for almost a decade, serving as youth minister for two local churches. Through Karpe Diem Family, Fortune has implemented the Empowerment Through Poetry Curriculum to several youth serving organizations, both virtually and in person. Outside of work Fortune enjoys all things basketball, creating music, and spending time with his wife and son.

Keney “Kendryk Youngblood” Young-Odor
Secretary
Keney “Kendryk Youngblood” Young-Odor is a spoken word poet and educator based in Houston, Texas, passionate about poetry and teaching youth. He is a member of KDF, where he had the opportunity to merge his passions thanks to Fortune McDonald. His YouTube channel, "Youngblood Poetry," boasts 24,000 subscribers and over 3 million views. Kendryk is a Poet Life brand ambassador, a former member of the University of Houston's Poetry Slam team, UH Coogslam, which secured 4th place at the CUPSI in 2019. His work has been featured in various publications, and he served as a poetry editor for Space City Underground Magazine.

Millard "Trae" Hodge III
Treasurer
Millard Hodge III, also known as Traé, serves as the Treasurer and Marketer at KDF, focusing on Purpose, Passion, and Progress for future generations. His partnership with Fortune McDonald and Kendryk is rooted in a shared commitment to empowering youth through values, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Traé's previous work includes collaborations with the Boys and Girls Club of America and other organizations, aiming to unite efforts for greater impact. This marks the start of a transformative journey dedicated to enriching young minds.
KDF SPEAKS
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KDF Speaks, where inspiration meets transformation! Our passionate team of motivational speakers is dedicated to empowering teenagers to unlock their full potential and become the creative leaders of tomorrow.
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🎤 Our dynamic speakers deliver captivating presentations tailored to resonate with the unique experiences and challenges faced by today's teens. Through interactive storytelling, relatable anecdotes, and thought-provoking discussions, we ignite the spark of motivation and instill the belief that anything is possible.
PROGRAMS



