This interview is a part of our Live Your Dreams Stars series where we feature awesome young women who are changing the world one amazing dream at a time. LYD!

Since Kendall Ciesemier was eleven years old she has been dedicated and driven to make the world a better place. As the co-chair of OWN IT Summit and the founder of Kids Caring 4 Kids Kendall has empowered thousands around the globe. Her good work has not gone unnoticed. Glamour Magazine named her one of the “Top 10 College Women” in 2014. She was also featured on the Oprah Winfrey show and even met Former President Bill Clinton. Today, every step of the way, Kendall has continued to follow her dreams.

I had the opportunity to chat with this powerhouse. Read below for some serious motivation!

You have accomplished so much, since you started Kids Caring 4 Kids as a young teenager. How did you keep yourself focused and on track?

This is a hard question to answer. Sometimes it seems like people spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to accomplish their goals. And, in the meantime, other people are out there just throwing things up against the wall and seeing what sticks. I would probably place myself in the later category on most days. I don’t think there is any one specific answer to that question. I am highly motivated to do things (really, most things) simply because I want to prove to myself that I can do them.

Why do you think it is important for young women to find a cause they are passionate about?

I think it’s important for EVERYONE to find a cause that they are passionate about… even if for only selfish reasons. I find that working for a cause provides you with purpose and another area of interest in your life. When you work for a cause, it’s almost the most selfish thing you could do because it makes you feel good. You get so much back. Changing people’s lives is much more exciting than profit margins.

And then on the other hand, it’s important to give in your life. We were all blessed with something that we can give: time, money, or advice. I am always compelled by the responsibility of giving generously because much has been given to me.

How did you find the support and resources you would need to accomplish goals you set for Kids Caring 4 Kids and OWN IT?

It has always been important to me to put my vision out there. I relentlessly to get my vision (for whatever I am working on) it in front of the people who I think would be interested and have the ability to help me carry it out. If you want people to support you, you need to declare yourself and not be afraid to ask for what you want. I ask a lot and I get a lot of “Nos” but once I get a “yes” the amount of “nos” that preceded it, doesn’t matter.

What advice do you have for young women your age who have ambitious goals?

Just go for them! If it seems hard, that’s because it is… truly. Going for your goals is hard work, but it is my belief that if you keep at it for long enough, have good intention, are not afraid to declare those goals to others and ask for their help, you will achieve those goals.

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