After sitting down to dinner and getting to know each other better, Kathie shared her origin story – because she really is a superhero. From architecture, engineering, management, business, education, mentorship – Kathie’s journey is a testament to her multifaceted talents. What sets her apart is her innate ability to identify gaps and ingeniously chart innovative paths to address them.

Early in her career, Kathie exemplified her resourcefulness by embarking on a second-degree program while simultaneously working, all in pursuit of the requisite contract experience needed to qualify for registration exams. Later on, sensing the disconnect between academia and the practical experience within the field, she transitioned into a role as a professor while maintaining her full-time professional commitments. Eventually ascending the position of dean, she played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between these two realms, leveraging her dual expertise to enrich both teaching and practice, demonstrating how each could mutually reinforce the other. 

Moreover, Kathie’s trailblazing spirit shines through in her efforts to address the underrepresentation of women of color in architecture. As one of the first 20 Black women to attain licensure as an architect in America – an achievement recognized even early in her career with a feature in Ebony magazine – she launched the groundbreaking “Ride the Vortex” lecture series. This initiative actively engages professionals at every stage of their careers, empowering them to participate, remain invested, and effect meaningful change within the industry. 

– Alex Foster, Assoc. AIA, YAF Committee Co-Chair