Karri Kuzma is executive director of the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation.
Her son, Kyle Kuzma, NBA Champion, philanthropist, and Flint native—
is the founder of the Foundation.
Photo: Markell Tate
The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization that strives to positively impact the lives of single mothers and enhance the lives of their children.
While Karri Kuzma serves as executive director, her son, Kyle Kuzma—NBA Champion, philanthropist, and Flint native—is the founder of the Foundation. Last year, Kuzma donated $1 million through the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation to the Flint YMCA to help build its new gymnasium, the central hub of activity at the YMCA.
Looking back over her career, Karri reflects on the day she had to stop attending college and return home to raise her son, Kyle, as a single mother. She took the first job she could find, working at Speedway. Within three months, she was promoted to assistant manager.
“After that, it was always management,” Karri said. “I’ve been a general manager for restaurants such as Taco Bell, Subway, and Fazoli’s, a retail store manager at Hollywood Video, and I’ve managed dental offices. I’m also a massage therapist. The year before I was able to quit my job, I was working for a dental company from home.”
Karri said her goal throughout her career was always to find the next best job to support her family.
Now, she stays busy with the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation and her massage spa. “I’m sure eventually I’ll be transitioning all my time to the Foundation,” she said.
“Everything we have done and created is done with the intention of impacting the community in a positive manner—from back-to-school supplies for kids and warm Thanksgiving dinners to shopping sprees for 30 single mothers, a community Christmas event, and repairing more than 50 vehicles for single mothers,” she said. “The majority of our work this year was done here in Michigan and in Wisconsin.”
Karri said the Foundation’s annual Mother’s Day event is the next project on their list.
As for new initiatives, she shared that the Roof Over Us Project is currently in development and is expected to roll out within the next couple of months. “Stay tuned,” she said.
Karri graciously took time out of her busy schedule to answer some fun and thoughtful questions from My City Magazine.
1. AS A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO GROW UP TO BE?
I grew up wanting to be an elementary teacher. Young kids are so innocent and eager to learn. I think my most memorable teachers were in my younger years with exception to a couple in high school.
2. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GAME OR SPORT TO WATCH OR PLAY?
My favorite games to watch are basketball, football and volleyball. Volleyball is my favorite game to play.
3. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I am most passionate about my children and helping people in need. I am very empathetic to single mothers and their struggles.
4. WHAT’S A GOAL YOU’VE RECENTLY ACCOMPLISHED?
I have always wanted to open my own business. I’ve been a massage therapist for more than 23 years and opened my own massage spa almost two years ago, so my goal is accomplished.
5. WHO IS YOUR HERO?
I think through different phases of your life this can change. When I was younger it was my cousin Mark, who went to Flint Powers and then Miami of Ohio to play football. He was a quarterback and he just made me want to be better in sports.
Now, my hero is my son Kyle. Seeing how hard he has worked to get to where he is, overcoming every obstacle in his way.
6. DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL WEEKEND.
I generally try to relax and not do much on Saturdays and I work Sundays doing massage therapy. Usually on one of those days, I’ll catch one of my son’s games on TV.
7. WHAT IS YOUR ‘SECRET TALENT?”
I’m not sure if it’s a talent because you have to be talented at it (lol), but I like to sing. I I think I get that from my grandpa.
Bonus Question
WHAT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE WOULD NEVER GUESS ABOUT YOU?
I love to paint and to write poetry.
