Kait Gillis is the sister of Shane Gillis, but she is known not only for it; her personality shines through her remarkable work and community spirit. Many people recognize Kait for her compassionate leadership, especially through Nour Coffee, where she hires employees with disabilities.
Her daughter, Nour, born with Down syndrome, inspired the business and gave the coffee shop its name, which means “light” in Arabic.
Kait’s journey did not begin as an entrepreneur. She has worked in strategic communications for decades, and she never planned on opening a business until she realized her daughter’s need for meaningful work and community.
Early Life and Family Background
Kait Gillis grew up in a tight-knit family in Pennsylvania. Her brother, Shane Gillis, would later become famous as a stand-up comic and actor, but for Kait, life always focused first on connection with relatives and those around her. Her upbringing taught her empathy, responsibility, and support. These qualities show in her later work.
From an early age, Kait learned the value of family unity. The Gillis household fostered encouragement and open communication.
Education and Professional Achievements
Before launching Nour Coffee, Kait built strong professional credentials.
Kait Gillis attended Susquehanna University from 1999 to 2003, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Corporate Communications. Eager to sharpen her business skills, she later studied at Villanova University from 2009 to 2011, where she completed an MBA focused on International Business and Strategic Management.
Early Career
After graduation, Kait began her professional career with Merrill Lynch as a media relations specialist, working there from 2003 to 2005. After that, Kait worked in real estate as the Sales and Acquisitions Coordinator with Preferred Real Estate Investments in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. She stayed in this role for over five years, from August 2005 to October 2010.
In November 2010, she became Corporate Communications Manager at Preferred Unlimited Inc., a role she held until July 2011.
Public Service Roles
Kait began her public service career as Deputy Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health in May 2012. She held this position for one year and six months, leaving in October 2013.
She rose to become Press Secretary and then Director of Communications for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, serving from November 2013 to December 2017, a period of four years and two months. Her work shaped how the state communicated about healthcare and important social programs.
Private Sector Leadership
Next, she took the role of Vice President of Communications at Mendoza Group, Inc. She led strategic planning and managed large-scale marketing campaigns from January 2018 to April 2020.
During this time, Kait built a reputation for delivering results in education, healthcare, and financial sectors.
Nonprofit and Consulting Work
In May 2020, Kait became the Executive Director at the Brethren Housing Association in Harrisburg. She gave leadership to the organization for nearly four years, until April 2024.
Simultaneously, she founded her own consultancy, Gillis Hanna Group, in May 2020—a venture she continues today. Both roles allowed her to support vulnerable families and advise organizations on communications and advocacy.
Nour Coffee
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In October 2022, Kait co-founded Nour Coffee in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, inspired by her determination to create meaningful work opportunities for people with disabilities. Nour Coffee quickly became a beacon of inclusivity, and Kait continues to pour her dedication and expertise into running the shop.
The Inspiration Behind Nour Coffee
A profound turning point in Kait’s life came with the birth of her daughter, Nour. Born with Down syndrome, Nour inspired Kait to rethink the future, not only for her child but for others with disabilities. Kait and her husband, Mena, named their daughter Nour, meaning “light” in Arabic.
Realizing the barriers that people with disabilities often face in employment and socialization, Kait became determined to create a space where everyone could belong. She decided to take direct action instead of only raising awareness. She had a vision for a business that would offer jobs to people with and without disabilities working together.
The Birth and Mission of Nour Coffee
Nour Coffee opened in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, as a vibrant coffee shop with a unique mission: to model true workplace inclusivity. Employees of all abilities work together, earn fair pay, and receive respect for their contributions. For Kait, the shop was a tangible way to give her daughter and others like her a place to shine.
Nour Coffee welcomes customers from all walks of life. The business operates on the principle that “everyone’s light shines brighter together.” Community members enjoy carefully prepared drinks and pastries, but more importantly, they participate in an environment where kindness, dignity, and acceptance are core values. Kait often describes Nour Coffee as more than just a café, it is a place of connection, hope, and opportunity.
When parents of children with Down syndrome shared similar experiences of limited activities and social isolation after school years ended, Kait realized how critical meaningful jobs and community events were. Nour Coffee hosts gatherings such as karaoke and movie nights, which offer a sense of belonging that persists beyond regular business hours.
Professional Growth and Community Impact
Kait’s background in communications and advocacy played a key role in shaping her business. Her knowledge of strategy, marketing, and management allowed her to launch and sustain a successful coffee shop with deep community roots.
Drawing from experience in nonprofit leadership and her time working for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Kait understood the complexities of supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
The staff at Nour Coffee quickly adapted to their roles. Team members, both with and without disabilities, thrive in an atmosphere that nurtures growth. One employee, Abigail Krevsky, shared her joy at finally having a job. Her experience shows the personal fulfillment that comes from dignified work.
Local residents welcomed the shop and appreciated its inclusive mission and high-quality beverages. As more people talked about Nour Coffee, it became a popular gathering place for families, professionals, and advocates. Kait’s vision of integration reached many people and encouraged other businesses to reconsider their own hiring practices and involvement in the community.
Parenting Nour: Challenges and Joys
Parenting a child with Down syndrome became both Kait’s greatest challenge and her deepest source of pride. She often describes her journey with honesty, acknowledging the initial fears and uncertainties as well as the moments of profound joy. Adoption, medical concerns, and societal expectations tested Kait’s faith and resilience. Through these experiences, she found purpose and a renewed sense of hope.
Kait became actively involved in advocacy groups for parents of children with disabilities. Her openness and authenticity turned her into a resource for others facing similar journeys. Nour’s milestones, however small, became reasons to celebrate each day. Kait’s strength draws admiration, while her creative approach inspires others to seek new solutions in the face of difficult circumstances.
Relationship with Her Brother Shane Gillis
Kait’s relationship with her younger brother, Shane, adds another layer to her story. Shane Gillis, widely recognized for his irreverent humor and successful podcast career, has brought both pride and public interest to the Gillis family. Despite their different paths, the siblings share a deep mutual respect.
Kait has spoken about Shane’s generous spirit and sense of loyalty when family faces challenges. In the early days after Nour’s diagnosis, Shane supported Kait without hesitation. He brought humor and encouragement to help her through that time. Family conversations became a mix of laughter, practical advice, and, at times, candid emotional moments.
Their bond reminds many that celebrity and advocacy do not have to exist in separate worlds. Instead, Kait and Shane demonstrate how love and support fill both public and private life. Shane sometimes talks about his sister and her work during interviews or stage routines. He uses his platform to highlight Kait’s commitment and the vision behind Nour Coffee.
Public Recognition and Media Coverage
While not a celebrity in the conventional sense, Kait has garnered significant attention for her work. Local media outlets feature Nour Coffee as a standout example of inclusive employment. Kait’s story has appeared on podcasts, in newspapers, and across social media, reaching audiences well beyond Camp Hill.
Community organizations often invite Kait to share insights about disability activism, entrepreneurship, and how to balance family life with work responsibilities. Her down-to-earth style connects with listeners and motivates them to create positive change in their own communities.
Kait’s Role as an Advocate
Advocacy is woven into every aspect of Kait’s work. Whether testifying for legislative change, speaking on podcasts, or mentoring new families, she remains committed to progress for those with disabilities. Parents, educators, and employers turn to Kait for advice on integrating people of all abilities into the workforce.
Her mission extends beyond the walls of Nour Coffee. Kait encourages businesses and organizations to adopt more inclusive hiring practices. She works in partnership with nonprofits, local governments, and advocacy groups to address social barriers. Her focus stays on creating a society where every individual has the opportunity to succeed.
