We recently connected with Karla Mcday and have shared our conversation below.
Karla, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My struggles between the ages of 18 and 25 played a pivotal role in the discovery of my purpose. During this challenging time, I faced numerous firsts that could have derailed my future if not for the unwavering love, emotional, and financial support of my parents. Navigating the world at that age was difficult, but it was through these struggles that I began to understand where my true calling lay. Social services became more than just a profession—it was something innate, a path that felt deeply aligned with who I was meant to be.
As I sought clarity, I turned to reading, prayer, and meditation, which confirmed what my experiences had already begun to reveal. These practices helped me see that my gifts were meant to intersect with the needs of the world. I knew intrinsically that my purpose would involve giving back, something greater than myself, to make a meaningful impact. The compassion I developed during my own struggles now fuels my dedication to supporting youth who face similar challenges.
In finding my purpose, I have committed to using my experiences to uplift others, confident that this is the path I was always meant to walk.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless youth between the ages of 18 and 26. I am deeply passionate about supporting young people as they navigate this critical developmental stage. Our work focuses on overcoming the many barriers to finding and maintaining affordable housing that these youth face.
Since the worldwide pandemic, rising rent costs have become a significant challenge, making it increasingly difficult for young people to secure stable housing. Discriminatory practices in the housing market further complicate their efforts, as youth often encounter biases based on their age, race, or socioeconomic status. Additionally, a lack of accessible resources and support networks exacerbates the difficulties they experience, leaving many without the means to achieve independence.
Our mission is clear: Confronting systemic barriers and societal challenges, we empower youth through creative, safe, and affordable housing solutions, actively preparing them to overcome adversity and thrive. Our vision for the future is equally bold: We envision a future where every youth has access to supportive and innovative housing, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve their fullest potential.
This work is deeply rooted in social justice, and it inspires me every day. I am especially excited about our organization’s growth and expansion. Since our founding in 2014, we have grown from providing just 4 beds with no funding to now offering approximately 50 beds of shelter with federal funding. Last year, we celebrated a significant milestone by permanently housing 30 youth. We are continuing to grow, and I am thrilled to see the impact we are making in the lives of these young people. Additionally, we have two new projects scheduled to launch in 2025.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Throughout my journey, three qualities and areas of knowledge have been most impactful. The first is self-knowledge, a concept beautifully illustrated by the African proverb, “Self-knowledge is the beginning of all knowledge.” Understanding myself, embracing my authentic history, and recognizing the strides and advances of Black people prior to the period of enslavement have profoundly shaped my path. This ties into another powerful proverb: “Until the lion tells the story of the hunt, the hunter will always be glorified.” It reminds me of the importance of owning and telling our stories from our perspective, ensuring that our true history and contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. This deep connection to my roots has empowered me to navigate my journey with a clear sense of identity and purpose.
The second key area is the importance of strong mentors and guidance. I have been fortunate to receive direction not only from God but also from wise elders and mentors who have walked similar paths before me. Their insights and support have been invaluable, teaching me the importance of humility and the wisdom in accepting guidance from those with more experience.
The third essential quality is persistence, hard work, and unwavering dedication to the vision. As another African proverb states, “No matter the economy of the jungle, the lion will never eat grass.” This speaks to the importance of doing what must be done without compromising one’s values, ethics, vision, or dreams. It’s a reminder that regardless of the challenges faced, staying true to oneself and one’s purpose is paramount.
These qualities and areas of knowledge have not only guided me but also fortified my commitment to the work I do, ensuring that I remain steadfast in my journey and my mission.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful gift my parents gave me was a loving home that provided a strong foundation and instilled in me the self-knowledge needed to believe in myself. My father, in particular, taught me to approach challenges with reason and logical thinking, rather than being driven by emotion. This balance of love, confidence, and critical thinking has been invaluable in shaping who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.akronharmonyhous.org
- Facebook: Akron Harmony House
- Youtube: Akron Harmony House
Image Credits
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