The story of Marina and Kevin Krim is one of the most poignant and inspiring examples of resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. As of late 2024, the New York couple has not only found a way to continue their lives after the horrific 2012 murder of two of their young children but have also successfully channeled their grief into a powerful, nationwide movement. Their non-profit, the Lulu & Leo Fund, has evolved into a thriving initiative called Choose Creativity, which they actively promote, including a recent appearance at the Choose Creativity Awards in June 2024.
The Krims’ journey from devastating loss to becoming advocates for creative confidence has captivated the world. Their commitment is to honor the memory of their children, Lucia and Leo, by empowering other families to build the social-emotional skills necessary to navigate life's challenges. The following details their complete profile, the tragic events, and the enduring, fresh legacy they are building today.
The Complete Profile: Marina and Kevin Krim and The Krim Family
Marina and Kevin Krim are a New York-based couple who became globally known following a devastating family tragedy. Their public profile today is defined by their professional success and their dedication to transforming their personal pain into a public benefit through their foundation.
- Kevin Krim: A veteran digital media executive, Kevin currently serves as the President & CEO of EDO, a prominent TV outcomes company that specializes in advertising and measurement. He previously held leadership positions at major media organizations, including General Manager & Senior Vice President of CNBC Digital, Bloomberg, Yahoo, and LookSmart.
- Marina Krim: An artist, former educator, and entrepreneur, Marina is the co-founder, board member, and creative director of the Lulu & Leo Fund and its core initiative, Choose Creativity. She is the driving creative force behind the foundation's curriculum, including the 10 Principles of Creativity.
- Lucia "Lulu" Krim: Their eldest daughter, murdered at age 6 in October 2012.
- Leo Krim: Their son, murdered at age 2 in October 2012.
- Ines Olivia "Nessie" Krim: Their surviving daughter, who was 3 years old at the time of the tragedy and is now a young adult.
- Felix Harrison Krim: Their son, born after the tragedy, whose birth brought a new source of healing and hope to the family.
The Unthinkable Tragedy and The Killer's Final Sentence
The event that forever changed the Krim family occurred on October 25, 2012, in their Upper West Side apartment in Manhattan. The details of the crime remain a harrowing part of their story.
Details of the 2012 Krim Murders
On that day, Marina Krim returned home with her surviving daughter, Nessie, to discover her two other children, Lucia (Lulu) and Leo, had been fatally stabbed in a bathtub. The perpetrator was their long-time nanny, Yoselyn Ortega.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through the Upper West Side community and ignited a national conversation about trust, childcare, and the vulnerabilities of modern family life. The Krims, members of the JCC in Manhattan, faced intense scrutiny and public attention during the subsequent investigation and trial.
Yoselyn Ortega: Life Without Parole
The legal proceedings culminated in a conviction that brought a measure of finality for the Krim family. Yoselyn Ortega was found guilty of the murders and was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. This maximum sentence means that there will be no future parole hearings for the killer, allowing the Krims to focus entirely on their healing and their foundation's mission without the recurring trauma of court appearances.
The Enduring Legacy: Choose Creativity in 2024
Instead of succumbing to despair, Marina and Kevin Krim chose to honor Lulu and Leo by creating a legacy that celebrates life, imagination, and emotional intelligence. The Lulu & Leo Fund was established to encourage and support creativity, which they view as a vital tool for resilience.
The Evolution to Choose Creativity
The foundation, now primarily known as Choose Creativity, has evolved from a grant-giving organization into a full-fledged educational initiative. Its core mission is to empower children, teachers, and families to build essential life skills through creative confidence.
The organization’s work is a direct response to the way the Krims found healing—by choosing a constructive, creative path forward. Marina Krim, as the Creative Director, has been instrumental in developing the curriculum that forms the backbone of the organization.
The 10 Principles of Creativity
The foundation’s flagship program is built around the "10 Principles of Creativity," which were developed by Marina and Kevin Krim themselves. These principles serve as a guide for both children and adults to navigate complex emotions, foster resilience, and embrace a growth mindset. These principles are a testament to the family's ability to find light and meaning after darkness, teaching others how to use their creative impulse to solve problems and overcome challenges.
- Be Inspired
- Be Resourceful
- Be Brave
- Be Persistent
- Be Curious
- Be Focused
- Be Kind
- Be Generous
- Be Thoughtful
- Be You
5 Ways Marina and Kevin Krim Are Thriving Today
The Krims’ public life in 2024 is a portrait of purpose-driven healing, demonstrating that profound loss can be transformed into a powerful, positive force. Their work today is focused on five key areas that honor their children’s memory and build a better future.
- Leading a National Initiative: They continue to serve as the co-founders and public faces of Choose Creativity. Their active involvement, including speaking at the 2024 Choose Creativity Awards, ensures the foundation remains current and impactful.
- Driving Corporate Innovation: Kevin Krim’s role as CEO of EDO places him at the forefront of the digital media and advertising technology sector, showcasing his professional success and leadership in a highly competitive industry.
- Raising a Resilient Family: The Krims have successfully navigated the challenges of raising their surviving children, Nessie and Felix, in the aftermath of a public tragedy, focusing on healing and emotional well-being within their family unit.
- Championing Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Through the 10 Principles of Creativity, the Krims are major advocates for SEL, ensuring that children are equipped with the creative confidence needed to handle life’s inevitable difficulties.
- Inspiring Global Resilience: Their story has been featured extensively in major media, including the New York Times and People Magazine, serving as an ongoing source of inspiration for other families facing trauma, demonstrating that it is possible to find love and healing even after the darkest night.
The legacy of Lucia and Leo Krim is not defined by the tragedy of their death, but by the vibrant, creative movement their parents built in their name. Marina and Kevin Krim have shown the world that choosing creativity is the ultimate act of courage and an enduring form of love.
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