Kathryn Sowa
Program Director at Small Giants Community- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Ellen Muench
Katie is super-human or is working on a different clock than the rest of us. I honestly don't know how she is able to get so much done in a 24hr day. If Katie says she's going to do something, she will do it- in fact, it's probably already in your inbox before you're done with the conversation. But beyond this preternatural ability to get things done, Katie has the most powerful relationship building skills I've seen in a workplace. She has the ability to connect with people and make them feel supported while also empowering them to achieve their goals. Her ability to build strong communities is unparalleled and evidenced in her long history of cultivating strong founder communities. Katie is truly a joy to work with and I've learned so much from her during our time together at Future Founders.
Tina Hrabak
Katie's superpower is a deep ability to go above and beyond to connect people and make them feel cared for. I've seen this exercised both as her direct report where she has been an empathetic leader who is invested in my personal development and also in the powerful communities she's built for entrepreneurs. Founders that Katie works with know that they have a coach who has their back and will provide feedback that will push them to be their best. In all of my career, I've never seen program participants or students as loyal to an administrator as Katie's are to her - this is a testament to the value and care she's provided in their lives. Internally, Katie is a humble and diplomatic leader. She recognizes the strengths of her employees, empowering and trusting them to do their best work. I've always felt supported in my decision-making and in times of stress, she has been generous with her time to help me navigate paths forward. She is not prescriptive, but rather encourages me to comes up with my own solutions. Katie has truly been a valuable team leader and mentor for me - I know that my life and those of everyone she works have been improved by her care and attention.
Ellen Muench
Katie is super-human or is working on a different clock than the rest of us. I honestly don't know how she is able to get so much done in a 24hr day. If Katie says she's going to do something, she will do it- in fact, it's probably already in your inbox before you're done with the conversation. But beyond this preternatural ability to get things done, Katie has the most powerful relationship building skills I've seen in a workplace. She has the ability to connect with people and make them feel supported while also empowering them to achieve their goals. Her ability to build strong communities is unparalleled and evidenced in her long history of cultivating strong founder communities. Katie is truly a joy to work with and I've learned so much from her during our time together at Future Founders.
Tina Hrabak
Katie's superpower is a deep ability to go above and beyond to connect people and make them feel cared for. I've seen this exercised both as her direct report where she has been an empathetic leader who is invested in my personal development and also in the powerful communities she's built for entrepreneurs. Founders that Katie works with know that they have a coach who has their back and will provide feedback that will push them to be their best. In all of my career, I've never seen program participants or students as loyal to an administrator as Katie's are to her - this is a testament to the value and care she's provided in their lives. Internally, Katie is a humble and diplomatic leader. She recognizes the strengths of her employees, empowering and trusting them to do their best work. I've always felt supported in my decision-making and in times of stress, she has been generous with her time to help me navigate paths forward. She is not prescriptive, but rather encourages me to comes up with my own solutions. Katie has truly been a valuable team leader and mentor for me - I know that my life and those of everyone she works have been improved by her care and attention.
Ellen Muench
Katie is super-human or is working on a different clock than the rest of us. I honestly don't know how she is able to get so much done in a 24hr day. If Katie says she's going to do something, she will do it- in fact, it's probably already in your inbox before you're done with the conversation. But beyond this preternatural ability to get things done, Katie has the most powerful relationship building skills I've seen in a workplace. She has the ability to connect with people and make them feel supported while also empowering them to achieve their goals. Her ability to build strong communities is unparalleled and evidenced in her long history of cultivating strong founder communities. Katie is truly a joy to work with and I've learned so much from her during our time together at Future Founders.
Tina Hrabak
Katie's superpower is a deep ability to go above and beyond to connect people and make them feel cared for. I've seen this exercised both as her direct report where she has been an empathetic leader who is invested in my personal development and also in the powerful communities she's built for entrepreneurs. Founders that Katie works with know that they have a coach who has their back and will provide feedback that will push them to be their best. In all of my career, I've never seen program participants or students as loyal to an administrator as Katie's are to her - this is a testament to the value and care she's provided in their lives. Internally, Katie is a humble and diplomatic leader. She recognizes the strengths of her employees, empowering and trusting them to do their best work. I've always felt supported in my decision-making and in times of stress, she has been generous with her time to help me navigate paths forward. She is not prescriptive, but rather encourages me to comes up with my own solutions. Katie has truly been a valuable team leader and mentor for me - I know that my life and those of everyone she works have been improved by her care and attention.
Ellen Muench
Katie is super-human or is working on a different clock than the rest of us. I honestly don't know how she is able to get so much done in a 24hr day. If Katie says she's going to do something, she will do it- in fact, it's probably already in your inbox before you're done with the conversation. But beyond this preternatural ability to get things done, Katie has the most powerful relationship building skills I've seen in a workplace. She has the ability to connect with people and make them feel supported while also empowering them to achieve their goals. Her ability to build strong communities is unparalleled and evidenced in her long history of cultivating strong founder communities. Katie is truly a joy to work with and I've learned so much from her during our time together at Future Founders.
Tina Hrabak
Katie's superpower is a deep ability to go above and beyond to connect people and make them feel cared for. I've seen this exercised both as her direct report where she has been an empathetic leader who is invested in my personal development and also in the powerful communities she's built for entrepreneurs. Founders that Katie works with know that they have a coach who has their back and will provide feedback that will push them to be their best. In all of my career, I've never seen program participants or students as loyal to an administrator as Katie's are to her - this is a testament to the value and care she's provided in their lives. Internally, Katie is a humble and diplomatic leader. She recognizes the strengths of her employees, empowering and trusting them to do their best work. I've always felt supported in my decision-making and in times of stress, she has been generous with her time to help me navigate paths forward. She is not prescriptive, but rather encourages me to comes up with my own solutions. Katie has truly been a valuable team leader and mentor for me - I know that my life and those of everyone she works have been improved by her care and attention.
Credentials
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Future Founders/Accelerated Growth Training Program
Accelerated GrowthMar, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Certified Professional Coach
College of Executive CoachingFeb, 2021- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Small Giants Community
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United States
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Professional Training and Coaching
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1 - 100 Employee
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Program Director
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Sep 2023 - Present
The Small Giants Community is a global community of purpose-driven leaders. It supports thousands of entrepreneurs, owners, and rising leaders to build purpose-driven cultures, companies, and business practices. The Small Giants Community is a global community of purpose-driven leaders. It supports thousands of entrepreneurs, owners, and rising leaders to build purpose-driven cultures, companies, and business practices.
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DePaul University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Adjunct Professor
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Mar 2018 - Present
Teaching business design and innovation at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business. Teaching business design and innovation at the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
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Sora Schools
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United States
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Primary and Secondary Education
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Experience
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Jul 2021 - Aug 2023
Sora is the virtual private, full-time, and fully accredited middle school and high school making today’s students into tomorrow’s changemakers. As Director of Experience, lead all experiences and community efforts that create a school experience for students and parents/guardians. This ranges from student life to parent engagement, customer onboarding and success, customer service strategy and practices, advisory and coaching for mental health and wellness, impact alignment and… Show more Sora is the virtual private, full-time, and fully accredited middle school and high school making today’s students into tomorrow’s changemakers. As Director of Experience, lead all experiences and community efforts that create a school experience for students and parents/guardians. This ranges from student life to parent engagement, customer onboarding and success, customer service strategy and practices, advisory and coaching for mental health and wellness, impact alignment and evaluation, internal communications and strategy, school operations efficiency and process development all to support over 250% customer growth and scale. Show less Sora is the virtual private, full-time, and fully accredited middle school and high school making today’s students into tomorrow’s changemakers. As Director of Experience, lead all experiences and community efforts that create a school experience for students and parents/guardians. This ranges from student life to parent engagement, customer onboarding and success, customer service strategy and practices, advisory and coaching for mental health and wellness, impact alignment and… Show more Sora is the virtual private, full-time, and fully accredited middle school and high school making today’s students into tomorrow’s changemakers. As Director of Experience, lead all experiences and community efforts that create a school experience for students and parents/guardians. This ranges from student life to parent engagement, customer onboarding and success, customer service strategy and practices, advisory and coaching for mental health and wellness, impact alignment and evaluation, internal communications and strategy, school operations efficiency and process development all to support over 250% customer growth and scale. Show less
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Future Founders
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Operating Officer
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Mar 2018 - Jul 2021
Oversees strategy and programs to support 18-30 y/o entrepreneurs Future Founders. Lead organization-wide development initiatives.
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Senior Director, Startups
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Aug 2015 - Mar 2018
Leading the operations and strategic growth of the organization's collegiate division, Future Founders Startup. Developing programming to enhance youth entrepreneurship through student-based experiences such as experiential learning opportunities, immersion in a connected entrepreneurial community, and preparation to work for or as entrepreneurs. Katie joined Future Founders to create, develop, launch, implement and oversee this collegiate division.
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Director of Community Engagement
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Jul 2014 - Aug 2015
Working to develop programming to enhance youth entrepreneurship through student-based experiences such as experiential learning opportunities, immersion in a connected entrepreneurial community, and preparation to work for or as entrepreneurs.
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Instructor
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Jul 2009 - Sep 2020
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Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director of Operations
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Jun 2012 - Jul 2014
Oversaw strategy and operations of CEO, the premier entrepreneurship network with chapters on over 240 university campuses across North America to support collegiate entrepreneurship and new venture creation. This included managing the development of strategic partnerships, overseeing membership development, creating and implementing new national initiatives, and organizing and executing the Annual National CEO Conference, an entrepreneurial experience for 1,200+ college students, faculty, and… Show more Oversaw strategy and operations of CEO, the premier entrepreneurship network with chapters on over 240 university campuses across North America to support collegiate entrepreneurship and new venture creation. This included managing the development of strategic partnerships, overseeing membership development, creating and implementing new national initiatives, and organizing and executing the Annual National CEO Conference, an entrepreneurial experience for 1,200+ college students, faculty, and young entrepreneurs. By working to develop resources and opportunities to enhance the success of student entrepreneurs, this helped the success of national universities and academic institutions through the success of their campus programs. Show less Oversaw strategy and operations of CEO, the premier entrepreneurship network with chapters on over 240 university campuses across North America to support collegiate entrepreneurship and new venture creation. This included managing the development of strategic partnerships, overseeing membership development, creating and implementing new national initiatives, and organizing and executing the Annual National CEO Conference, an entrepreneurial experience for 1,200+ college students, faculty, and… Show more Oversaw strategy and operations of CEO, the premier entrepreneurship network with chapters on over 240 university campuses across North America to support collegiate entrepreneurship and new venture creation. This included managing the development of strategic partnerships, overseeing membership development, creating and implementing new national initiatives, and organizing and executing the Annual National CEO Conference, an entrepreneurial experience for 1,200+ college students, faculty, and young entrepreneurs. By working to develop resources and opportunities to enhance the success of student entrepreneurs, this helped the success of national universities and academic institutions through the success of their campus programs. Show less
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Co-Founder
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Mar 2013 - Jun 2014
Professional Pitch and Branding Training for Entrepreneurs, Startups, Universities and Corporations, Unifying the C-Suite down to the Interns Professional Pitch and Branding Training for Entrepreneurs, Startups, Universities and Corporations, Unifying the C-Suite down to the Interns
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Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization
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Chicago, IL
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Assistant Director
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Oct 2009 - Jun 2012
Assist in the strategy, development, management and operations of a national entrepreneurial support organization for college students (www.c-e-o.org). Assist in the strategy, development, management and operations of a national entrepreneurial support organization for college students (www.c-e-o.org).
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DePaul University
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Graduate Assistant
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Sep 2009 - Jun 2010
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Financial Manager
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Apr 2008 - Aug 2008
Some responsibilities included: • Managed daily financial operations of a six million dollar start-up • Performed financial analyses and created financial plans for national retail expansion • Structured and managed the human resources department Some responsibilities included: • Managed daily financial operations of a six million dollar start-up • Performed financial analyses and created financial plans for national retail expansion • Structured and managed the human resources department
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Bradley University
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United States
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Higher Education
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1 - 100 Employee
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Intern
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May 2007 - Apr 2008
Some responsibilities included: • Performed market, competitor, and intellectual property research for clients • Assisted client companies in all stages of technology commercialization • Participated in the building, development, and operations of a multi-million dollar technology business incubator • Created marketing plan for the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center Some responsibilities included: • Performed market, competitor, and intellectual property research for clients • Assisted client companies in all stages of technology commercialization • Participated in the building, development, and operations of a multi-million dollar technology business incubator • Created marketing plan for the Peoria NEXT Innovation Center
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Education
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Bradley University
B.A., Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Spanish -
DePaul University
MBA, Entrepreneurship, Finance and E-Commerce
