Katia Conte Honors Daughter’s Legacy with Childhood Cancer Nonprofit

Hi, Katia! Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

My name is Katia Conte, and I am the President/Co-Founder of the Daniela Conte Foundation. Our nonprofit organization is a beacon of hope for families battling pediatric cancer. Founded in 2020, our mission is deeply rooted in the memory of my daughter, Daniela, who bravely fought pediatric cancer for four years. Inspired by her journey, we are dedicated to supporting children and families facing similar challenges. Through initiatives like our In-Treatment Support Program, memorial assistance, and Butterfly Boxes™, we strive to ease the burden of pediatric cancer. Daniela’s legacy lives on through our work, as we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by this disease.

Thank you for sharing, Katia. Daniela’s legacy truly lives on. Who are you trying to reach?

Our purpose is to serve the courageous families battling childhood cancer, whom we support through various direct grant programs. In addition to providing direct assistance, we are committed to supporting research efforts aimed at filling the funding gap for pediatric cancer research. By investing in research, we strive to ensure that future generations of families facing childhood cancer have access to less toxic and more effective treatment options. Together, we work towards a future where every child diagnosed with cancer has the best possible chance of a healthy and bright future.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before launching the Daniela Conte Foundation, I dedicated 16 years to corporate America, primarily in Pfizer’s litigation department, eventually serving on the General Counsel’s team. I was a working mom of two girls, however, after welcoming twin boys, I made the decision to step back and focus on being a stay-at-home mom. Initially, I envisioned this as my long-term path, but everything changed when my oldest daughter, Daniela, was diagnosed with childhood cancer. This unexpected turn sparked a deep drive within me to make a meaningful difference for families facing similar challenges.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

There was a profound call to action that arose from the most challenging experience of my life: the loss of my eldest daughter, Daniela, to pediatric cancer in March 2020. Daniela’s courageous battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by families grappling with childhood cancer. As her primary caregiver, I witnessed first-hand the emotional, physical, and financial toll it exacts on families like ours. Daniela’s compassionate spirit, even in the face of adversity, continues to guide me. Throughout her journey, she spoke about her wish to help other children and families facing similar challenges. In her memory and honor, I founded the Daniela Conte Foundation in 2020, dedicated to supporting children with cancer and their families. Through this foundation, Daniela’s legacy lives on.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Stepping into entrepreneurship wasn’t part of my career plan during my time in corporate America. In fact, it wasn’t even on my radar. However, life had other plans, and it took a significant event to shift my trajectory: my daughter Daniela’s four-year battle with cancer. Witnessing her struggle was a wake-up call, one that propelled me into action. Suddenly, starting the Daniela Conte Foundation became my mission — a way to make a meaningful impact in the child cancer community, something I never imagined myself doing. This unexpected journey into entrepreneurship within the nonprofit sector has been driven by a deep-seated desire to support families facing similar challenges and to champion childhood cancer awareness and research.

And what an incredible mission it is. Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

My husband Anthony and I co-founded the Daniela Conte Foundation in March of 2020, shortly after our eldest daughter Daniela passed away following a four-year battle with childhood cancer. Navigating entrepreneurship in the nonprofit sector amidst the COVID-19 landscape posed challenges. Our initial strategy focused on grassroots outreach and leveraging social media. Our first funding came from friends and family. By August 2020, we became a 501(c)3 nonprofit. We realized that virtual events provided a unique opportunity to engage with our community. Hosting a virtual 5k run and sharing stories on social media allowed us to connect deeply with our audience. Through flexible strategies, we successfully garnered support. Our approach, driven by passion, is aimed at spreading awareness and aiding families facing childhood cancer. And indeed, we have achieved that goal.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

Navigating the multifaceted roles of being a mother, caregiver, and founder of the Daniela Conte Foundation has presented me with one of my most significant challenges. With Daniela’s three younger siblings relying on me, along with the responsibilities of running a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with cancer, finding balance has been a learning curve. This journey has taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability and self-care. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and seek support when necessary. It’s okay to lean on others and acknowledge that we all need a little help sometimes — a principle deeply ingrained in the mission of DCF.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

The accomplishment I am most proud of to date is that the Daniela Conte Foundation has directed 90 cents of every dollar raised directly into our programs. This commitment has allowed us to assist more than 400 families in just three years, providing vital support to those facing childhood cancer. This stands as a testament to the dedication of our team and the generosity of our supporters, and it fuels our determination to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of families affected by childhood cancer.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Recently, the Daniela Conte Foundation has reached a significant milestone in that not only have we grown our reach exponentially, but we have fulfilled 100 percent of the requests for assistance that we’ve received. Our ongoing mission to support families affected by pediatric cancer, and over the past four years, we have proudly helped more than 400 families during their time of need. Being able to answer every call for help that comes our way is a monumental achievement and is a testament to the incredible generosity and unwavering support of our community. It underscores the impact we can make when we come together with compassion and determination to support those facing the toughest of battles. This is something we hope to celebrate with other entrepreneurs because our journey is one of community, and now we are happy to be a part of the Entreprenista community.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Looking ahead, the Daniela Conte Foundation is dedicated to scaling our impact to meet the growing demand for our services. While our journey began in New York, we recognize the national scope of childhood cancer and are committed to extending our support network to families across the nation. This expansion will enable us to reach even more families in their time of need and provide vital assistance and resources to those facing the toughest of battles. In the coming years, we envision further growth and outreach, with a focus on expanding our programs and initiatives to better serve our community. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. You can expect to see more services reaching pediatric cancer families and an increased awareness about this disease.

What is your top productivity tip? 

1. Outline Your Day: Having a clear roadmap for your day helps you stay focused and motivated. Break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks and prioritize them based on importance and urgency.

2. Focus Your Time: Use time management techniques like time-blocking to structure your day and allocate time for different tasks. Although we live in a time that seems to make multitasking unavoidable, it can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. Try to focus on one task at a time as much as possible.

3. Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. Stepping away from your work allows you to clear your mind, prevent burnout, and maintain focus and concentration.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

Avoiding burnout can be a challenge, especially when navigating the demands of entrepreneurship alongside personal and parenting responsibilities. One strategy I’ve found effective is regularly reconnecting with my “why” — the deep-rooted purpose behind my work. Remembering that I embarked on this journey to honor the legacy of my daughter, Daniela, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families facing the same battle we have reignites my passion and drive during challenging times. But I have also come to terms with the need to prioritize self-care, and for me, that means spending quality time with loved ones or engaging in activities that bring me joy. Delegating tasks to capable team members and leaning on my support network to allow this balance plays a crucial role in preventing burnout. By anchoring myself in my mission and fostering a supportive environment, I have sustained my commitment to our foundation’s cause without massive burnout.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

We are put on this Earth to enjoy our lives, our families, and our communities. Daniela exemplified this belief profoundly. Despite facing adversity, she radiated joy, finding solace in simple pleasures like a smile, a sketch, or an expression of love. Her resilience and unwavering positivity continue to inspire us to embrace each moment with gratitude and enthusiasm. Even when we love the work we do, it is important to remember to love the life we have outside of the office, too. Here are some tips that have helped me achieve a better balance:

1. Prioritize: Identify your most important tasks and focus on completing them first.

2. Set boundaries: Define specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible. When you’re off-duty, disconnect from work-related tasks and allow yourself to fully engage with the friends, family, and pets who have been eagerly awaiting your return.

3. Practice Self-Compassion and Self-Care: Understand that achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to have off days. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned. Prioritize self-care activities and don’t pressure yourself beyond your capacity.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

Looking back on my Entreprenista journey, I wish I had known more about the harsh realities of childhood cancer and the profound lack of resources available to families in need. Understanding the urgency and desperate need for support in this space would have better prepared me for the challenges that lay ahead. For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice would be to thoroughly research and immerse yourself in the cause or industry you’re passionate about before diving in. Understanding the landscape, challenges, and opportunities can help you formulate a more effective and sustainable business strategy from the outset. Always remain flexible and adaptable in your approach. The entrepreneurial journey is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles. Embrace change, learn from failures, and continuously iterate and refine your strategies to stay aligned with your mission and goals.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

When it comes to hiring for our team at the Daniela Conte Foundation, my primary focus is on understanding why the candidate is genuinely passionate about our mission. This is a crucial aspect because we aim to find team members who deeply resonate with our “why,” ensuring alignment and unwavering commitment to our cause. By delving into candidates’ connections to our mission, we can assess their authenticity, level of passion, and alignment with our core values. Above all else, I prioritize alignment with our values over any other quality. Skills are important, but they can be taught, and technical competencies can be trained, but a genuine dedication to our mission is something that cannot be compromised. Building a cohesive and impactful team hinges on finding individuals who share our passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of children battling cancer. I think that this is a principle that is important to all businesses but is commonly undervalued in the hiring process.

If you’ve raised capital for your business already, what are some of your best tips or lessons learned?

Fundraising is a crucial aspect of our foundation’s operations as a nonprofit organization. My best tip for successful fundraising is to authentically share your organization’s mission and the impact it has on the community. By effectively conveying the difference donors can make, we’ve been able to cultivate strong support for our cause. Sharing the heartfelt “why” behind your work is paramount in connecting with donors on a deeper level and inspiring them to contribute to your cause.

Please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

As a Mamaprenista, I bring a unique perspective to the table. My experiences have provided me with profound insights into the challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship, especially those navigating the delicate balance between personal and professional responsibilities. The journey of managing both a business and a family is not without its challenges, but it offers a rich opportunity for growth. By navigating this, we not only cultivate resilience and adaptability within ourselves, but also, serve as powerful role models for our children, demonstrating the importance of determination, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Through my experiences, I’ve come to understand the importance of prioritization, delegation, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and maintaining flexibility. Delegation is key, and something that I think many mamaprenista’s forget. Recognizing that one person cannot do everything alone, Mamaprenistas must be willing to delegate tasks both at home and in the business. Delegating responsibilities to trusted team members or enlisting the help of family members can lighten the load. Mamaprenistas must prioritize their well-being. Whether it’s exercising, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in hobbies, self-care is critical for doing well both in the office and at home!

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

Yes, my husband, Anthony, is the co-founder of DCF. We have many shared missions in life, but what drove us to co-found DCF is our shared passion for our mission to support families battling pediatric cancer. As for partnership tips, communication, and mutual respect are key. It’s essential to have open and honest conversations, set clear expectations, and listen to each other’s perspectives. Trust and collaboration are also crucial; knowing that you can rely on your co-founder and work together toward common goals fosters a strong and successful partnership.

What’s the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

Instagram holds a special place in our foundation’s outreach strategy, and it has become a tool I absolutely could not live without as an entrepreneur. Instagram emerged as a powerful tool early on for us, helping spread the word about the Daniela Conte Foundation, Daniela’s story, and our mission. We use it to intimately showcase the stories of the children and families we support. Its visual nature enables us to share poignant moments and highlight the real faces behind our cause, making the impact of our work tangible and relatable to our audience. Beyond raising awareness about childhood cancer, Instagram facilitates direct engagement with our community, allowing us to connect authentically with supporters and amplify our message. Instagram is not just an app on my phone; it’s an indispensable tool that fuels our mission and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer by connecting them, through our foundation, with a network and community of supporters.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

One of our most relied-upon tools for business operations is social media platforms, with Instagram being a standout favorite. Social media platforms provide us with a direct line of communication with our community, enabling us to receive inquiries in real-time, share updates, and cultivate relationships with donors and volunteers. The real-time nature of these platforms allows us to stay agile and responsive, adapting our messaging to current events and emerging needs within the childhood cancer community. They are indispensable tools for our business, enabling us to effectively communicate our mission, engage with our audience, and ultimately make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by childhood cancer.

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