Kate is a dynamic leader and advocate whose career spans law, military service, and social justice work. As a Black woman, her lived experiences deeply influence her work and perspective. Kate earned her law degree from Notre Dame and practiced law for nearly 25 years before retiring in 2016. In her last role as Assistant General Counsel at Verizon, she negotiated contracts and provided legal counsel to global sales and marketing teams. She also practiced commercial litigation at two major law firms and led a contracts division at Motorola.
Kate’s journey began with her service in the United States Air Force as an acquisition officer after graduating from the United States Air Force Academy. As a member of the third class to admit women, she was among the pioneering Black women at the Academy, becoming the ninth Black woman to graduate. Throughout her career, Kate has demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills, working primarily in the aerospace and telecommunications industries. In her second service career, she advised a cadet squadron on ethics and honor.
Currently, Kate is the Executive Director of Zoomies Against Sexual Assault (ZASA), a member of the Truman National Security Project, and an alum of Emerge Colorado. She has also consulted on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and justice initiatives with grassroots veterans’ organizations. Committed to lifelong learning, Kate earned a master’s degree in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco in 2021. Most recently, she contributed as an author to Attitudes Aren’t Free: A Call to Action (Volume II).
Kate’s passion lies in educating, communicating, and advocating for change. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and works part-time at The Challenge Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to scholars from underserved communities.