More Than Leadership: The Transformational Impact of Cynthia Bauer

During Women’s History Month, we honor women whose leadership reshapes our world. Today, we celebrate Cynthia Bauer, Founder and CEO of Kupenda for the Children, a global leader in disability inclusion, whose work has transformed the lives of thousands of children and families.

Cynthia’s journey toward disability justice began with a profound realization while studying in Kenya, where harmful beliefs about disability can put children at risk. Born without her left hand, she recognized that if she had been born in that context, she might have been killed at birth due to her disability. That realization changed everything and led her to co-found Kupenda, meaning “love” in Swahili, grounded in the belief that changing stigma is key to building inclusive communities.

For more than 25 years, Cynthia has grown Kupenda into a globally recognized organization reaching over 100,000 children and families annually. Her leadership has helped shift deeply rooted beliefs, ensuring children with disabilities are no longer hidden, but valued and included.

Cynthia and Maddy with Kupenda’s board of directors.

A Role Model Who Makes Possibility Visible

Cynthia’s impact goes beyond programs. She represents what’s possible. As a successful woman with a disability leading a global organization, she offers something many young women have never seen: visible, powerful leadership.

For Kupenda board member Maddy Ullman, that visibility was life-changing:

“Meeting Cindy, the founder of Kupenda, changed my life.

Growing up, I didn’t see women with disabilities … I just knew what people told me it couldn’t be.

There’s that phrase, ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’ I didn’t realize how much I needed that until I saw Cindy … not just surviving but thriving. It made things feel possible in a way they hadn’t before.

Now, being on the board of Kupenda feels like a full-circle moment … to help someone else have that same moment of, ‘Oh, maybe I can too.’”

Today, Maddy continues that ripple effect through her own advocacy, helping ensure others can see what’s possible, just as she once did.

A Legacy That Multiplies   

Women’s History Month invites us to reflect not only on what leaders achieve, but who they inspire. Cynthia Bauer’s legacy lives in the communities she’s transformed and in leaders like Maddy who are carrying that vision forward.

 Want to keep updated on Kupenda’s work?

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

Learn more about Kupenda in our podcast.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Or provide a child scholarship for just $35 / month.