Kickstart Kids is a TEA-recognized physical education program teaching character through karate in Texas public schools
HOUSTON, TX – March 9, 2026 – Kickstart Kids’ National Board of Directors named Diana Sayavedra Executive Director, effective January 30, 2026, following her service as Interim Executive Director.
Kickstart Kids is a Texas-based nonprofit founded by martial arts world champion, actor, and philanthropist Chuck Norris and his wife Gena Norris. The organization partners with public school districts to deliver a Texas Education Agency (TEA)–recognized physical education program during the school day. Through structured martial arts instruction, the program teaches character, discipline, and leadership to middle and high school students across Texas.
Sayavedra has led the organization in an interim capacity since 2025, providing continuity and strategic leadership in support of Kickstart Kids’ mission and statewide partnerships with public schools. Earlier in her career, Sayavedra also experienced the program firsthand as a campus leader when Kickstart Kids operated at Dessau Middle School, Pflugerville ISD, giving her a unique, practitioner’s perspective on the program’s impact on students and school communities.
“Diana’s leadership during this interim period has strengthened the organization and reinforced our mission,” said Gena Norris, Co-Chair of the Kickstart Kids Board of Directors. “Her deep roots in public education and her firsthand experience seeing this program transform students and campuses give her a rare perspective. She understands not only how Kickstart Kids changes individual lives, but how it strengthens entire school communities. I have seen her lead with integrity, compassion, and vision, and I am confident she will guide this organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.”
Bill Hickl, Finance Chair of the Kickstart Kids Board, emphasized the organization’s long-term sustainability and strategic direction. “Diana brings the operational discipline and strategic clarity necessary to scale responsibly,” said Hickl. “Kickstart Kids has a proven, TEA-recognized model that delivers measurable outcomes for students and strong value for our school partners. Under her leadership, we are focused on strengthening our financial foundation, expanding partnerships, and ensuring that every dollar invested directly advances student impact. For the Texas business community, this is an organization with both heart and accountability.”
Sayavedra brings more than three decades of experience in public education and youth-serving organizations. Her background includes executive leadership roles in large Texas school districts, including service as Superintendent, Interim Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer. Her career has focused on strengthening systems, supporting educators, and advancing student-centered outcomes through strong partnerships and thoughtful leadership.
“I’m honored to continue serving Kickstart Kids in this role,” said Sayavedra. “The organization’s work, supporting students through character development, discipline, and confidence-building, aligns deeply with my values and experience. I look forward to working alongside our board, staff, instructors, and school partners to build on this important work and expand our impact for students across Texas.”
Delivered daily on school campuses, Kickstart Kids’ programming integrates martial arts with character education, helping students build resilience, self-discipline, and confidence that extend beyond the classroom. The organization works closely with educators, families, and communities to support positive student outcomes and healthy school environments.
About Kickstart Kids
Founded in 1990 by martial arts world champion, actor, and philanthropist Chuck Norris and his wife Gena Norris, with the support of President George H. W. Bush, Kickstart Kids is a Houston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching character through karate.
The program launched in four schools in 1992 and has since grown to serve approximately 8,000 students in 58 schools across Texas each year. Since its inception, more than 120,000 students have participated in Kickstart Kids’ TEA-recognized physical education program, which is delivered during the school day in partnership with public schools.
Through martial arts instruction, Kickstart Kids teaches character, discipline, respect, responsibility, and leadership, supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. Learn more at www.kickstartkids.org.
