Blog

 
Name:  Katherine (Kate) Catlin
Hometown: Redmond, WA
University:  Gonzaga University   ’13
Major: Economics
What led you to apply for Venture for America?
I’ve been active in social and environmental causes since Junior High, and always thought I was going into the public sector or NGO work. Spending a semester in Nicaragua with the Social Entrepreneurship Corps changed everything. I saw how business and the private sector could transform communities, providing a necessary good or service while maintaining financial self-sustainability and empowering people through jobs. As soon as I heard about the VFA opportunity I knew I had to apply. What better way to learn entrepreneurship than doing it?
What were you doing when you found out you were accepted?
Biking. I almost swerved into traffic.
Now that you’re a Fellow, what are you most excited about with regard to VFA? What do you hope to accomplish?
I’m most excited about the connections and networks to be made. First with my fellow VFA colleagues, who are all creative go-getters ready to create the next Google/Kickstarter/sliced bread. Next, with mentors and investors that could be the support I need to launch my own business within the next five years.
If you had to live one place for the rest of your life, where would you choose?  Seattle. I’ve been lucky to travel a lot and see some beautiful things, but there’s no place like home.
Best thing about Goganza University:  The Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
Favorite Book: Anything Shakespeare or Herman Hesse.
Favorite childhood TV show: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Favorite meal: Grilled pacific NW salmon
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Best class you’ve ever taken: Economics of Microfinance
Favorite thing to do on Sunday:  Long bike rides up mountains and down rivers.
Favorite entrepreneur: Greg Van Kirk and George Glickley of Community Enterprise Solutions, the inventors of the empowering “MicroConsignment” model.
Favorite cereal: McCann’s Steel Cut Oats with peanut butter.
Most worn article of clothing: Under Armour Leggings. I love to be active and outdoors whenever possible!
Favorite sports team: Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball
Best trip you’ve ever been on: Kayaking down the Rio San Juan between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Sunset on that river can’t be described in words.
Favorite historical figure: Kate Mardsen- one of the toughest and most compassionate women in history. Marsen journeyed 2,000 miles across Siberia in the late 19^th century searching for medicine to aid people afflicted with Hansen’s disease.
Accomplishment you’re most proud of: Biking from Seattle to Washington, DC in 2009. This was the most intense physical challenge of my life. Yet more importantly, I conversed with people from all walks of life, witnessed the disparity of economic conditions across our nation and changed my perspective on just about everything.