We had the good fortune of connecting with Kira Reid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kira, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The Reach For The Stars (RFTS) Nonprofit Co-Founder and CEO, Carlos Aragon, found life in a simple Wal-Mart telescope after being homeless. Two years later him and his wife, Kira, started RFTS, in 2020 during the pandemic with a slightly different mission. Due to the demand at the time, they primarily served food. Delivering food to those in need, no matter their circumstance. With the food, however they provided an escape from the pandemic, a telescope. During 2020 and early 2021, they quickly realized that the youth that volunteered for the food program and the youth in the food program, all had something in common; they were all struggling with their social emotional well-being and mental health even to the point of suicide at the young age of 9.

These kids were all interested in healing and finding something bigger than themselves.

It was then that RFTS realized mental health was an epidemic, it does not discriminate. It does not care about your socioeconomic status, age, gender, ethnicity, or background. It is real and it is very prevalent among youth. We immediately planned, started to refer our clients to the 100 other food bank resources in our area, and changed our mission to social-emotional wellbeing and the best way to engage the youth population and change their mindset to transform and save their lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
RFTS is the FIRST nonprofit to provide the powerful scientific discoveries that scientist Keltner calls “awe” and we see it work! Awe when used with Astronomy has a healing effect on children in a manner that serves their mental health. We provide post-secondary Astronomy & STEAM programs, that are mainly after school camps centered around an authentic, courageous and FUN space for kids to learn coping skills, problem-solving, creative confidence and to explore wonder. The best part is, it saves lives. Children have come into our program with extreme anxiety, suicidal ideations and depression, and after 10 days they have reported a 50% decrease across all areas and an increase in social interaction and sleeping through the night.

We have gone from providing 30 youth telescopes year, to now having 4 programs. We have a free monthly Telescope program, a monthly STEAM class, a monthly Stargazing event, and a mobile clinic which all together serves over 2,200 youth a year.

Our most influential program is our STEAM class which is a combination of stargazing and STEAM activities and is consecutive, those are only able to host 6-12 youth per class due to being in our home (need a facility).

We are currently raising money to build the first ever historic mental health and well-being Community Observatory! “Creating an awe-inspiring space for youth to shine!” Pictures available.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Coffee first- at Vail Coffee Stop or Pour My Coffee both in Vail, Az

Second would be a stroll in Saguaro Park

With lunch at the Saguaro Corners Cafe or brunch at Snooze Cafe.

A must, would be a trip up to Mt Lemmon to see Carl Desando, one of our RFTS Spirit of Philanthropy award winners and have him show us the beauty of the night sky at his cabin!

El Charro is a definite dinner restaurant (oldest, 100!) and a drive around 4th street. They have the best restaurants.

The Desert Museum, Madaras Gallery, La Encantada for shopping, and Bashas (AJs) for some food and wine to have at home!

A Wildcat game at some point for sure with a group of friends. Stopping by the Sands Club to eat and meet people prior.

And she would accompany me to my weekly BNI (Business Networking International) meeting on Thursday, to meet 35-40 business professionals and introduce herself!

Lastly, she would meet my entire Reach For The Stars family. The most important part of my life. To include donors, clients, volunteers and Board members. Get to see the daily life I live and the reason its so near and dear to my heart.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest fan, and biggest supporter that keeps me going day-in-day-out is my God. Without His guidance and my faith, along with my gratitude and my perseverance, this mission would not be possible.

I also have (had) many wonderful mentors, supporters, and books I read. To name a few:

Mentors: Sandra Johnson, Greg Wakefield, Junko Nagao, Paula Van Ness, & CMSgt James Seballes, and my genuine husband, Carlos Aragon CEO, RFTS.

Books: Dare to Lead, Radical Candor, Trust, Boundaries for Leaders, Leading Strong

Website: https://www.rftstars.com/

Instagram: @rftstars

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karagon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rftstarsorg?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Carlos Aragon Kira Reid

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