Pictured: Children First CEO Philip Tavill (left) with Kaia Barrett. Photo by Daniel Wagner or Wagner Visuals.

Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations—from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on December 10 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today, we are recognizing Kaia Barrett, a recipient of our Good Hero Youth Award. Despite living daily with cystic fibrosis, Kaia has never allowed her challenges to define her. After surviving a devastating car crash in December, one that left her in a coma for three days with a fractured skull, brain bleed and traumatic brain injury, she has shown extraordinary determination and faith in her recovery. Her strength, resilience, and heart for others make her a true example of what it means to be a young leader in our community. Kaia volunteers at community events and serves as a teacher’s assistant at several homeschool co-ops. She currently serves as the Vice President for Turning Point USA Sarasota County Headquarters and was a Congressional Captain for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Teen Advocacy Day. She embodies what it means to be a Good Hero. Congratulations Kaia.

Pictured: Children First CEO Philip Tavill (left) with Kaia Barrett. Photo by Daniel Wagner or Wagner Visuals.