Get to know Heidi Alzate Kaufman, Executive Vice President at Chapman Partnership. Discover Heidi’s inspiring journey back to Chapman Partnership and her dedication to philanthropy. Learn about her motivations, values, and vision for the future of community service in Miami-Dade.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to join Chapman Partnership?
This is my second time at Chapman, which isn’t really surprising when I look at how everything I have learned and accomplished has led me back here. With roles in nonprofit management, higher education, health care, community relations, and housing affordability, I want to channel all my experiences into this role. I was first at Chapman as Vice President of Development, from 2019-2021, and it was incredibly rewarding work. I left to launch my consulting firm, Heidi Alzate Consulting (HAC), poised to leverage community partners, donors, and drive transformative philanthropic goals for an array of clients. When the opportunity arose to come back as Executive Vice President at Chapman, and work with Scott Hansel, the President and CEO, I knew this is where I am supposed to be. I am now in the position to help steer the organization’s comprehensive strategy for programming and wraparound services and diverse revenues, creating a clear path toward long-term self-sufficiency and housing stability. I am excited and humbled to be back.
What inspired you to get involved in Philanthropy?
My mother inspired me to get involved in philanthropy, probably unbeknown to her. I watched as a little girl how she always had an extra plate of food for someone or a place to stay for someone looking for a fresh start in this amazing country. This experience opened my eyes to the power of individual actions in creating positive change and inspired me to continue down the path of philanthropy. The moments when I know I am making a tangible contribution are what really propels me.
What values do you hope to instill in your children through your work?
Through my work, I hope to instill the values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility with my children. By actively engaging in philanthropy and giving back to the community, I aim to teach my children the importance of caring for others and understanding the power they hold to inspire positive change. I stress to them that even the smallest acts of kindness really do matter. Additionally, I hope they share my gratitude for the privileges and opportunities we have, and always remind them to be KIND, WORK HARD, and STAY INFORMED.
What motivate you to serve the homeless community?
I fundamentally believe that everyone deserves to have a meal, and a place to call home for those who are experiencing crisis or being unhoused. I believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and I am driven by a strong desire to help those who are a degree of separation from all of us.
How do you engage the community in your initiatives?
The word partnership is in our name, and it really influences how we operate at Chapman. Our connectivity stretches across the whole county, and we are indebted to so many donors and volunteers for their selfless dedication. This includes families, nonprofits, government, schools, and big and small businesses who come to our shelters and support our residents on so many levels. We have people reading to our kids, hosting meals, throwing birthday parties, soccer clinics, sprucing up the common areas, and mentoring our adult residents- these are just some of the many impactful involvements we see every week here. It really is amazing to witness!
What are your long-term goals for Chapman Partnership and the community it serves?
To ensure we can play a role in addressing housing affordability and informing the community on the “new faces of homelessness”. With not enough livable wages and unattainable housing, the people impacted by homelessness are often unemployed and or have limited access to adequate mental health treatment.
In 2025, we are celebrating our 30th year! Chapman Partnership is poised to embark on an exciting journey toward continuous sustainability and growth while honoring the history and vision of our founder, Alvah Chapman Jr. The current escalation of housing insecurity affects countless individuals and families, and we have seen the demographic change of those experiencing homelessness. Working as a provider under the umbrella of the Homeless Trust and proudly beside Scott (Hansel) we are addressing this changing landscape. Our residents have access to so many resources that lead to independence, and we are excited to expand and enhance them. We aim to deliver on the promise that “no one sleeps on the streets.”
How do you see the future of philanthropy and community service evolving in Miami-Dade?
Philanthropy and the nonprofit community support the existing infrastructure in addressing all of society’s challenges. This is not work that can be done alone, and it requires a strong sense of community, collaborations, and resources.
Chapman Partnership
If you would like to learn more about Chapman Partnership and how you can help their mission, please contact Christina Scott.
