About Kathryn

Experiences that shaped me

What difference does it matter when I was born or that my Quaker family came here before this was a country? I am running to perform my civic duty and be a servant leader. My life experiences shape how I show up.

I've summarized key insights in italics below to help you understand how I think when I represent you.

Growing Up

My family moved 11 times before I got to high school. As teenage parents of three, they chased for jobs and opportunities as they built a life for our family of five. Being the new kid taught me that often we don't see each other, we see roles in groups. In some schools, they needed a scapegoat and in others they needed a hero, so I became one or the other. It taught me that each of us can be amazing in our own ways, whether anyone sees it or not. We have way more in common with each other than we think and the differences are often surprising and delightful.

I watched my parents, who had three children by the time they turned 20, work multiple jobs while creating a stable, loving home for us. By 3rd grade, Dad completed his PhD in engineering and got a job as an associate professor. The stress lessened, though we still had five moves ahead of us. If we can create ways for people to dig out of difficult life situations, it is a win for all of us.

As the daughter of a professor, I got free tuition. I still worked throughout my education - waitressing, working the library, as a resident advisor and hall director, and as a coop student electrician and working on construction bids. I received several scholarships from businesses and was offered a full scholarship to begin work on my Master's degree in volcanology. Education and lifelong learning are gifts that we should all be able to enjoy.

My mother died suddenly when I was 23 - disrupting my education and leading me off into the wilderness where I became a mountain guide. I married, had three children in three years, and struggled to manage finances, as a stay at home mom. We lived 25 minutes from the nearest grocery store and often didn't have enough money to pay for gas. I worked nights at a local restaurant where I could bring home leftovers and cook through the night. My extended family had no idea how hard things were. They were suffering in their own ways. I committed to being open and honest when asked about anything. I committed to scratching below the surface when I check in on others. We can ease suffering and join in celebration with others, if we'll only take the time.

Work and Life Experience

When my youngest was old enough for preschool, I got a loan and started a program to get my teacher's certificate. My husband and I agreed that we needed the income and that teaching high school would allow a good work-life balance of parenting and working. I took a part-time job to pay loans and, before completing my degree, was offered a commission-only position designing, developing, selling, and delivering corporate training. Commission only positions allow people to jump to positions beyond their proven capabilities. But the tax structure penalizes this model with higher percentages and no social security contribution. Tax structures should reward economic mobility.

This first post children career launched me into many varied opportunities. Doors opened and I stepped through the ones that looked interesting. I cofounded a technology company with my husband that garnered several international awards. I was recruited away to pioneer experiential learning programs. That led to an opportunity to lead the US operations for a global company based in Portugal. And ultimately to a position with McKinsey & Company when I was nearly 60. This was the first time I used a resume or filled out an application for a job and the first time I was paid as much as my male counterparts. Never doubt that anything is possible and recognize that more opportunities open to those with access to a strong network.

I am so thankful to have lived and worked around the globe, advising the top leaders of common brands. And, I've learned working with local leaders that the people here are every bit as smart and competent as those people running giant companies. Investing my time locally is fulfilling and worthwhile.

Local Credentials

My local connection is by marriage. My husband's parents were hard working Spokane people who built a cabin by hand on land from Diamond Match auction. They lived in a tent with small children teaching them the value of hard work and the gloriousness of living in natural wonderland. We brought our kids here for every vacation and I grew envious of the North Idaho life. We always intended to retire here and bought property in 2012. We moved here in 2015 to be closer to my in-laws while they were still young enough to play. They are young nonagenarians (90s). I feel like the new kid in school again, trying to learn everything I can about my new home while making my own gifts available.

I am grateful for the many people - friends, colleagues, family, and strangers - who have taught me, made me laugh, cared about my well-being, and told me what they truly think. I feel truly blessed.

About Kathryn

Experiences that shaped me

Growing Up

Work and Life Experience

Local Credentials

Kathryn is a Candidate for Common Good

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