Illuminating the Path: The Inpiring Journey of Entrepreneur Maggie Kane
There are times when you meet someone whose light is so bright, it illuminates and benefits everyone around them. This is undoubtedly true for Maggie Kane, the founder and executive director of A Place at the Table. In 2013, while at NC State University, Maggie began working for a nonprofit organization assisting people experiencing homelessness. Through befriending many individuals living on the margins, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of food insecurity and the importance of providing dignity to those in need.
In February 2015, A Place at the Table was born, and Maggie never looked back. Since its opening in January 2018, the café has served thousands of people in Raleigh, offering dignified and affordable meals in a welcoming environment. Maggie's heart for service, unwavering inclusivity, and passion for loving people shines through in every aspect of her work.
This morning, I had the good fortune of sharing a cup of coffee with Maggie at her bustling establishment. The café was filled with laughter, the enticing aroma of fresh hotcakes, and a line of people eager for a meal and a sense of belonging. This is the kind of place where the homeless sit next to housewives, where the jobless dine alongside CEOs—all part of the dynamic fabric of the community. Here, no one is seen as better or more respected than another; everyone is there for a good meal in a vibrant and welcoming setting.
Maggie represents the new face of business—smart, kind, and driven to make the world a better place for everyone. She describes her purpose in life as building community, recognizing the loneliness and disconnection that permeates society. She believes a sense of belonging is the vital antidote needed for humans to thrive. Her enthusiastic, super-attentive manner allows her to see the essence of people, making them feel like they are the only person in the room—her superpower and secret sauce. Maggie shares that she had no idea what she was building when she began this journey in 2015 but continuously makes the next right decision.
Here are a few key insights from this innovative leader:
1. Adapt and Innovate: Maggie researched other pay-what-you-can business models around the country and adapted the template to serve Raleigh’s unique market.
2. Friendraising over Fundraising: She encourages "friendraising" instead of fundraising—making friends, getting them enrolled and engaged so they are willing to invest time, money, and resources.
3. Community Involvement: Great ideas happen when the entire community is involved and committed. It truly takes a village.
Maggie Kane’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and innovative thinking. She is a beacon of hope and inspiration, lighting the way for others to follow.
As the newly appointed Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Meredith College, I’m meeting many of the inspiring entrepreneurs and visionaries in the Triangle region of North Carolina, where there is a thriving start up ecosystem. I’ll be bringing more of their stories here to the Redtail Creative blog. Maggie is the kind of impact leader that the Entrepreneurship & Innovation students at Meredith College will have the chance to learn from.