Kathryn is an experienced social impact advisor, whose experience crosses nonprofit, philanthropy, and corporate consulting. Before beginning her consulting career, she worked in leadership positions within fundraising and development teams at leading nonprofits in the US. Since moving to consulting full time, she’s worked across issue areas and types of clients. Kathryn is also in training through the Co-active Training Institute to formalize her experience as a coach. 

Where did you study and get your start professionally? What other hats did you wear before becoming a social impact consultant? 

While completing my undergraduate studies at Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA, I began my career as a Development intern in the nonprofit space. My first job out of school was in the development office at Reading Is Fundamental, where I learned the ins and outs of fundraising, from foundations, to direct mail, to corporate relationships and corporate social responsibility. I later worked at Share Our Strength on the No Kid Hungry campaign, where I honed my skills in management, new business development, account stewardship and renewal, forecasting and strategic planning. Before moving into consulting, I was at the National Women’s Law Center, where I was a part of building a robust individual donor program and supporting taking their corporate program to the next level. As a full-time consultant since 2017, I advise corporations, philanthropic investors, established or emerging nonprofits and executives. 

What do you feel you do best for your clients and fellow team members at Wachs Strategies? 

When working with organizations, whether nonprofit or corporate, I keep in mind what it was like to be on the other side of the consulting relationship, and I ensure that our work will result in implementable and sustainable activities after our project has ended. I’m skilled at figuring out the right balance of process and practicality to make sure big ideas are translated to the actions that will make significant social impact possible. When working with our individual clients, I apply that same mentality to ensuring that their engagement and support will achieve the type of impact they want. 

What are you passionate about besides your work at Wachs Strategies consulting?

I’m passionate about people and investing into the lives of others. Practically, that looks like lots of time with family and friends, both in person and through the virtual communication methods we’ve relied on over the past few years. I’m a Girl Scout troop leader, assistant coach for a youth softball team, and a volunteer leader at my church, which helps me, and my family, live out our faith in action. I also love traveling and exploring outside of my day-to-day life, whether that’s a new location or just taking the time to visit our local nature preserve and see what birds are passing through this week. My usual companions for all of the activities in my life are my husband and my daughter, and whenever possible, our two dogs.