PROGRESS WORTH CELEBRATING
Our Accomplishments
The milestones, recognition, and community partnerships moving our mission forward.
PROGRESS WORTH CELEBRATING
Every Pair of Shoes Makes a Difference
123 More Reasons to Smile. 123 More Steps Toward a Brighter Future.
Every pair of shoes brings hope, dignity, and opportunity to a child in need. Thanks to our amazing supporters, we’re changing lives one step at a time.
Together, we put hope into motion!
Awards & Recognition
OAA won its category at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Best of the West Awards. Candace and OAA were selected for the 2024 edition of Marquis Who’s Who.
Community Partnerships
OAA’s community network includes the Loveland Chamber of Commerce and the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. Sole Connections has hosted a Fort Collins DSW partnership event.
Community Impact
Published five-year achievements include 1,800 students educated, 900+ community participants, 79 new pairs of shoes donated, 100+ free meals donated, and 1.5 million steps.
Awareness Bound: 2026 Goal
Public Reporting
With a goal of reaching 250 students in 2026, and a workbook cost of $13 per student, our material budget alone is $3,250.
IN THE PRESS
Holistic Wellness Journey
Voyage Denver
July, 2025
Candace Oates shares how her own health journey sparked a passion for empowering underserved youth through holistic wellness education and advocacy.
Queens of Inspiration
CXO Time Magazine
Cover Story, Spring 2025
Candace Oates has been honored by The CXO Time as the "Queen of Inspiration" and recognized as one of the most empowering women to follow in 2025—celebrated for her bold, purpose-driven leadership
Empower, Educate, Advocate
CIO Business World
Issue no. 1, 2025
Candace Oates turned her personal health journey into a mission to empower underserved youth through her nonprofit Obesity Awareness in Action and initiatives like Sole Connections, championing holistic wellness and breaking barriers to health equity.
An Interview with Candace
CPR News
March 2023
Candace Oates was interviewed by Colorado Public Radio.
"Her whole life built up to this: a new effort to help people live healthier, starting in childhood."
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Meet Candace Oates
Canvas Rebel
October 2023
Candace Oates was honored to be featured in Canvas Rebel magazine as a health & wellness professional/leader in the community and for the work done through our non-profit organization.
Meet the Oates
The Influence Magazines, NOCO
April 2023
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Inspiring Conversations
Voyage Denver
March 2023
Candace Oates was honored to be featured on the Voyage Denver website discussing the mission of OAA.
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Non-profit Spotlight
The Influence Magazines, NOCO
September 2022
In September of 2022, OAA was profiled in the Johnstown, Colorado Influence Magazine! The profile highlights the organization's dedication to health & wellness education.
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Candace's Weight Loss
Success Stories
Candace has been an inspiration to many. Click below to read her weight-loss success stories.
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Meet Candace Oates
Shoutout Colorado
June 2023
2024 Women Leaders
Passion Vista International Magazine
Cover Feature- Spring, 2023
Conquering Arenas – A Woman’s Tale from Boxing Rings to Boardrooms
Candace was interviewed for the Passion Vista magazine and was featured on the cover as part of their Women Leaders to Look up to article.
BizWest Giving Guide
BizWest Business Journal
Featured Spread, 2025 Giving Guide
OAA was selected for a two-page spread in the 18th Annual BizWest Giving Guide.