Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kathleen Bass. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kathleen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
In the midst of life’s most difficult battles, moments of transformation and empowerment have shaped the course of my journey. For many, these moments come through the support, love, and understanding of others who have walked a similar path. This fundamental truth is the foundation of my mission—to create a nonprofit dedicated to serving homeless mothers, particularly those facing adversity without a support system.
This mission is deeply personal, born from my own experiences as a single mother of four children, navigating life without a college education and with little to no support. I understand the weight of uncertainty, the struggle of trying to build a future while feeling isolated, and the resilience it takes to push forward. It is this firsthand knowledge that fuels my passion to ensure that no woman has to endure these hardships alone.
At the heart of my work is the unwavering belief that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, deserves the opportunity to create a better future for herself and her children. Through mentorship, community resources, and empowerment initiatives, my goal is to provide the guidance, tools, and connections needed to help women rebuild their lives. This is more than just an organization—it is a movement of hope, transformation, and unwavering support for those who need it most.
Kathleen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Though my journey did not begin with hope, it has led me to a place of profound purpose and fulfillment. Today, I am a happily married mother with a beautifully blended family of 7 children and 21 grandchildren. I have also embraced the role of a foster adoptive mother and proudly serve as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children in need.
My passion for serving others is deeply ingrained in everything I do. Volunteering with various organizations allows me to give back in meaningful ways, and I cherish every opportunity to make a difference. Outside of my service work, I find joy in reading and expressing my creativity through crafting.
The inspiration behind my non-profit work stems from my own life experiences. Overcoming adversity has shaped my perspective, and I have always longed to be the guiding support for young, single women—the kind of mentor I once needed but didn’t have. In 2016, I received a clear vision from God for IAMME The Movement, along with a purpose-driven mission: to uplift, support, and empower women facing overwhelming challenges.
One of my greatest aspirations is to become a certified life coach. While I may not claim to have a single defining factor that sets me apart, I do know that my testimony is uniquely mine. I understand firsthand what it feels like to struggle against the odds, and I carry that empathy into my work. My greatest source of pride is that I never gave up—not on myself, my children, or the young women walking similar paths of hardship.
Through IAMME The Movement, I am channeling my passion into tangible action. My goal is not only to serve the community but to create meaningful opportunities for personal growth and empowerment. I am committed to organizing workshops, group discussions, and seminars, while also building a strong network of community partners who can provide essential services. This movement is more than just an initiative—it is a call to action, a mission to ensure that no woman has to face life’s battles alone.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Throughout my journey as a nonprofit leader and entrepreneur, several resources have profoundly shaped my approach to management, service, and personal growth. One book that has had a significant impact on my philosophy is The Value in the Valley by Iyanla Vanzant. This powerful work speaks to the resilience required to navigate life’s challenges and the wisdom gained through adversity—lessons that deeply resonate with my mission.
The book The Memo: What Women Of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table by Minda Harts. Also, (TedTalk) The Secret To Unlocking Your Greatness by Lewis Howes (feat. Lisa Nichols).
Above all, the most influential guide in my life and work is the Bible. As I lead IAMME The Movement and serve the lives it touches, my actions, decisions, and purpose remain firmly grounded in the Word of God. Faith is not just a personal cornerstone—it is the foundation upon which this movement stands, shaping our mission to uplift and empower young women facing adversity.
I am also committed to continuous learning and growth, recognizing that the culture and challenges of young people today are constantly evolving. The needs of the women we serve are different from when IAMME The Movement first began, and they will continue to change. Staying informed, engaged, and adaptable allows me to meet those needs effectively, ensuring that this mission remains relevant, impactful, and transformative for generations to come.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most profound lessons I had to unlearn was self-doubt. When God first gave me the vision and assignment for IAMME The Movement, my immediate reaction was uncertainty. I questioned whether I was truly the right person for this mission. Lacking a college education, financial resources, and access to influential social networks, I convinced myself that I was unqualified to build and lead a nonprofit.
For years, I allowed this defeated mindset to hold me back. I told myself, I can’t do this because I don’t know how and I don’t have the money. But God gently reminded me that the vision was His—one He entrusted to me for a purpose. There were women who needed me to step into obedience and move forward, regardless of my perceived limitations.
That realization transformed everything. Instead of focusing on what I lacked, I began to seek knowledge, embrace opportunities for growth, and build meaningful connections within my community. Today, I am actively educating myself, expanding my network, and hosting impactful events through IAMME The Movement. Unlearning self-doubt has been a crucial step in fulfilling my purpose, and it continues to drive my commitment to empowering women who, like me, once felt uncertain about their future.
