A Tribute to Brian Mullen

Smiley sun inspired by Brian

I’ve always believed that kindness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice, a way of life that can transform the world. Today, I want to share the heartfelt journey behind The Kindness Accelerator, a nonprofit born out of my passion for spreading kindness and positivity.

The seeds of this movement were planted long ago, nurtured by the incredible people I’ve been fortunate enough to meet. Among them, my dear friend Brian Mullen holds a special place in my heart. Brian wasn’t just someone I admired; he was a beacon of light whose energy and generosity changed my life in ways I never imagined.

I first met Brian in college, where every day was an opportunity for new experiences. At that time, Brian was the student manager of our campus radio station, radiating enthusiasm and positivity, while Kellie, his future wife, managed the TV station with innate kindness and grace. I was getting my degree in Broadcasting and so I got to work and became friends with both Brian and Kellie. They were a power couple.

Brian Mullen, Announcer on Campus Radio

After graduation, Brian and Kellie got married and dedicating themselves to encouraging others, uniting people, and spreading kindness wherever they went. Their beautiful daughter, Kaitlin, is a testament to their legacy—today, she shines as an amazing teacher and administrator, passionately working to uplift children in need.

After college, despite the distance, we always made a way to come together. Every visit to their home was a masterclass in positivity—leaving me feeling energized, inspired, and brimming with hope. It seemed as though both Brian and Kellie poured endless amounts of kindness into my bucket, nurturing my soul with every encounter.

Brian had an extraordinary gift: he could breathe excitement and purpose into everything he touched. Whether he was sharing a kind word, organizing community events, or simply listening with genuine interest, his goal was clear—to spread kindness to every person he met. He had this rare ability to make you believe that a pivot towards positivity was always possible, even on the darkest days. It wasn’t just encouragement; it was a profound transformation of perspective, a realization that kindness could be woven into the very fabric of our lives.

Tragically, a couple of years ago, Brian passed away unexpectedly. His departure left a void that is still felt deeply, but it also ignited a flame within me—a desire to honor his legacy in the most authentic way possible. The Kindness Accelerator is my way of carrying forward Brian’s life purpose. It stands as a tribute to his memory and as a commitment to keep the spirit of kindness alive. I wanted to create a space where every individual could feel empowered to spread positivity, much like Brian did so effortlessly.

The Kindness Accelerator is more than a nonprofit; it’s a movement, a community built on the belief that kindness is not just an act, but an essential part of who we are. Every initiative, every project, and every smile shared through our programs is a nod to the legacy of Brian and Kellie—a reminder that even in the face of loss, the kindness endures. They taught me that kindness can be intentional, that it can be a part of our very DNA, and that each of us has the power to transform our world with a single kind gesture.

As we launch The Kindness Accelerator and reach out to more hearts, I am constantly reminded of Brian’s influence. His memory fuels our efforts and inspires us to create a ripple effect of kindness that reaches far beyond what we can imagine. For me, every challenge faced and every success celebrated is a step in continuing the journey he started. And as long as there is even a spark of kindness in the world, Brian’s light will shine on.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, let’s keep the spirit of kindness alive, honoring the legacy of those who have shown us the true power of a kind heart.