This week on The Mental Matchup, Kat sits down with Paula Widerlite, Co-Founder and Chair of Champions for Children, a nonprofit led by women dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. With over 40 years of experience in nonprofit healthcare leadership, including 25 years as Chief Strategy Officer for a major DC-area health system, Paula brings deep expertise and a personal passion for advancing children’s mental health.
In this episode, Paula shares:
Leadership & Vision: What Champions for Children’s mission means to her personally, and how she fosters the collective energy of strong women leaders.
Understanding the Crisis: Why children’s mental health is a growing crisis and how her organization turns awareness into action through grants, events, and collaborations.
Programs & Community: The story behind “Be a Champion on World Mental Health Day,” plus how their panels and education series expand awareness and reduce stigma.
Reflections & Looking Ahead: What Paula is most proud of, where she sees the greatest opportunity to expand access, and how listeners can support this critical mission.
Through Champions for Children, Paula has convened partners, advocates, and leaders to shine a light on youth mental health and build solutions that matter. Her story is a powerful reminder that when passion meets purpose, and when women lead boldly, real change is possible.
Learn more about Champions for Children here
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