Monaco Life speaks to Rhonda Hudson, president of the Kate Powers Foundation, about continuing the legacy of Kate Powers and advancing sustainability, wellness, and education in the Principality.
Rhonda Hudson is an American-born Monaco resident and Life Balance Coach who plans to carry the legacy of her best friend Kate Powers, the beloved owner of the former Stars ‘n’ Bars who passed away in 2021. The Kate Powers Foundation (KPF) was created in 2022 and officially inaugurated last March, in the presence of Prince Albert II, the Foundation’s Honorary President.
As president of the Foundation, Rhonda is keen to keep Kate’s memory alive by creating awareness in the community to promote eco-friendly actions, well-being, and education.
Monaco Life: What led you to become President of the Kate Powers Foundation?
Rhonda Hudson: Kate and I were best friends. We shared many of the same interests, from our love for nature and personal development to enjoying fantastic food. A month before Kate passed, we had a heart-to-heart on continuing her legacy in Monaco, and she felt blessed that I would want to continue her work. My main objective is to keep my connection to Kate alive.
How has your previous experience prepared you for a role as president?
My overall experience in the wellness industry allows me to bring knowledge, expertise, and perspective to my role as president of KPF. The Foundation is created on three pillars: sustainability, well-being, and education. My role will be to bring as much joy, fun and connection as possible, enabling KPF to make a meaningful positive impact that will serve the community.
See also: Hundreds join Prince Albert for official launch of Kate Powers Foundation
What are the most essential qualities for someone in this role?
Hold the vision! It’s easy to lose sight when you face challenges; however, when you focus and allow inspiration to lead the way, everything comes together at the perfect time, and as we say at KPF, “Together, we shine bright”.
Do you have experience in volunteering, fundraising, and budgeting?
I have volunteered locally, including clean-up efforts around the Principality through Eco Angels – the concept created by Kate to reduce pollution – as well as planting trees and setting up wellness days and workshops. I have absolutely no experience with fundraising and budgeting. My philosophy is to surround myself with expert leaders in these roles to help guide and direct me, the board, our team, and the Foundation… people you can always learn something from and grow.
I am privileged to have accomplished women in my team: Karen Bond, VP; Stuart Botwright, Treasurer; Donatella Campioni, Public Relations; Martina Rakus, Communications. They all bring their specific competencies and experience to our organisation and share a strong desire to make a positive difference.
Do you feel at ease interacting with the media and at networking events?
I really like interacting with media. I feel comfortable being interviewed and speaking in public, and I am invigorated by sharing the excitement of what KPF is all about with the community. My approach during a networking event is enthusiasm. I enjoy making connections, listening to ideas, and sharing with others how we can build a more sustainable future together.
What is your passion and your strengths? How would others describe you?
My greatest passion is living from the heart space, sharing this with others who are interested in sharing this space and creating magic. I listen, follow my intuition, have fun, and do not take things too seriously. As for others describing me, that depends on who you are asking, possibly as a visionary, confident, calm, positive energy, mesmerising voice, and focused.
Tell us about your professional work.
I work with people on personal, professional, and spiritual transformation. I call myself a transformational coach as I love to see people overcome their limiting beliefs, stuck programming, and resisting patterns. Giving them tools to identify what they want versus what they don’t like and how they are creating their experience to step into the realm of possibilities.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned up to now?
I learn lessons every day. My most significant lesson is not to push or try to make something happen. Trying to make something happen or going to get something done always attracts more of the same experience. I am learning the art of allowing and being playful with this art. Everything has the perfect divine timing and trust, making this experience much more fun.
What’s your communication style?
I would say my style tends to be more assertive. However, I love observing, seeing what is happening, and communicating confidently and softly.
How do you measure success?
Success for me is awareness. My measurement of success is how I can stay aware of every situation, even if it might not completely align with my desires. I love making a difference; it is what excites me. Living with excitement is truly a passion of mine.
What is your strategy for KPF?
I have done my best to define objectives, identify and develop key messages, and understand our community and their interest and impact on sustainability, well-being, and education. Furthermore, choose a communication channel that will best suit KPF board members, volunteers, and our target audience, create content, focus on events that communicate our mission, center on critical partnerships and collaborations, and follow Kate’s guidance by remembering what she loved.
To join the Kate Powers Foundation, please visit: www.katepowersfoundation.com
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Main photo: Rhonda Hudson