CANNES, FRANCE — In a momentous celebration held on the global stage in Cannes, France, Rachelle Rutherford, internationally recognized child advocate and CEO of Kids on the Move (KOTM), was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund for her unwavering dedication to the protection and empowerment of children over the past 18 years.
This award recognizes Ms. Rutherford’s exceptional contributions to child welfare, her lifelong commitment to abuse prevention, and her transformative leadership at KOTM (a mission-driven organization focused on creating safe, nurturing environments for children across the globe.) Her platform, built on compassion and tireless advocacy, has touched millions and continues to inspire systemic change.
“It is an overwhelming honor to receive this recognition from an institution that upholds Nelson Mandela’s vision for justice and protection of the most vulnerable among us, our children,” said Rutherford. “This award is not just mine, it belongs to every child we’ve helped, every partner who stood with us, and every advocate who continues to believe that change is possible.”
As the current Mrs. Universe, Rutherford has used her international platform to shine a powerful spotlight on child abuse prevention, a cause that has been at the heart of her work for nearly two decades. Her global reach and dedication have made her a prominent voice for the voiceless and a champion for systemic change.
As the CEO of Kids on the Move, Rutherford has spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives that support children from all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on those living with trauma, adversity, and developmental challenges. Under her leadership, KOTM has influenced child welfare policy, mobilized international partnerships, and created life-changing opportunities for thousands of children across multiple continents.
Her powerful and deeply personal book, Chasing the Impossible, underscores her commitment to inclusion and equity. The book focuses on supporting children with developmental delays and disabilities and has become a trusted resource for parents, educators, and caregivers around the world.
From the world’s most prestigious stages to grassroots movements in underserved communities, Rachelle Rutherford continues to break barriers, raise awareness, and lead with purpose. This Lifetime Achievement Award stands not only as a tribute to her past efforts, but as a bold affirmation of her ongoing mission: to protect, uplift, and empower every child.
As Nelson Mandela once said,
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Rachelle Rutherford’s work embodies this truth, and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund is proud to recognize her extraordinary leadership in advancing this vision.
About Kids on the Move (KOTM):
Kids on the Move (KOTM) empowers families and transforms communities by providing innovative services for children with disabilities and developmental delays. For over 40 years, we have inspired the world to reshape perspectives, rethink what’s possible, and drive real solutions that help every child thrive. Through early intervention, autism services, Early Head Start, respite care, and inclusive childcare and preschool programs, we revolutionize education and care to ensure that every child, especially our most vulnerable, can live their best life. Learn more at kotm.org.
Media Contact:
Crystal Jones
cjones@kotm.org
www.kotm.org
