Our Team
Cazimi operates on a flexible, project-based staffing model.
A consistent core team provides strategic continuity and deep client understanding, while trusted collaborators, such as producers, designers, and facilitators, are brought in based on the specific demands of each engagement.
This allows us to tailor every team to the geography, language, and cultural context of the work. The result is a nimble, scalable model that delivers high-impact results for you without unnecessary overhead.
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Charlene Caronan
CO-FOUNDER, COO + HEAD OF EXPERIENCE
Charlene “Char” Caronan (she/ her) is an experiential producer and operations strategist. At Cazimi, she leads experiential production, business operations, and project management.
Previously, Char served as the Director of Event Production and Operations at the Ford Foundation, where she led the formation of the foundation’s first dedicated events team and developed the launch strategy for the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice’s event and venue operations. She has produced strategic live and virtual events around the world, led event marketing strategies for global tech events and conferences, and managed PR campaigns across the film and entertainment industry.
Char graduated from the University of Virginia, is a Worldwide Musicians United board member, and most importantly mom to Ruby (human) and Evie (dog).
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Kadi Hughes
CO-FOUNDER, CEO + HEAD OF STRATEGY
Kadi Hughes (she/her) is a strategist, experiential designer, and curator. She leads the company’s creative development, overseeing strategy, design, programming and partnerships.
Previously, Kadi served as Director of Event Strategy and Programming at the Ford Foundation, where she shaped large-scale convenings and thought leadership initiatives. She has also held senior leadership roles as Director of Partnerships at the World Science Festival in New York and as Director of The Bookworm International Literary Festival in Beijing.
Kadi’s writing has appeared in a range of publications, and her work is informed by a deep interest in astrology, TCM and behavioral psychology. She is a graduate of Princeton University and splits her time between Brooklyn and Johannesburg.
PRODUCER + STRATEGIST
Emma Payne (she/her) is a producer and program strategist. She joined Cazimi in March 2025, where she supports the design and execution of high-impact gatherings for foundations, nonprofits, and social justice organizations.
Previously, Emma spent six years at the Center for Curatorial Leadership, where she designed and led leadership programs for art museum curators across the U.S. and abroad. She has also worked as an independent consultant and grant writer, partnering with museums and arts organizations on fundraising strategy, program development, and institutional growth. She holds an MA from Christie’s Education and a BA from Washington and Lee University. She lives in New York City and moonlights as an amateur jewelry designer and runner.
