The Spotlight Series amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Katie
Gailes
“My cofounder and I started an organization that facilitates small group, intimate conversations on race among a curated, very diverse group of people. The objective is to guide understanding and, eventually, some peace in our country.”
KATIE GAILES
Co-Founder, OUR STORIES: Brave Conversations on Race
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’RE WORKING ON?
“I am writing a novel called Hot Buttered Cornbread. It is the first in a 3-book series called The Cornbread and Butterbeans Series.”
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU’RE PROUD OF
“Finishing my MBA. My daughter was born in the middle of the program. I was one of very few women in the class. I drove almost 400 miles roundtrip every other weekend... and several other things.”
DO YOU HAVE A MANTRA?
“I AM________.”
“I don't have one day-to-day mantra. But, this year it has most often been I AM________.
I am a natural workaholic and don't think I will change that. But I can change WHAT I am working on and make it look more like my personal vision statement.”
MY GREATEST STRUGGLE?
“Current and ongoing: mismatched sock syndrome.”
“But I am pushing through the fear.”
WHERE DO YOU FIND CALM?
“I like digging in dirt (because no one would mistake what I do for gardening).”
WHERE WILL WE FIND YOU WHEN YOU RETIRE?
“Doing something very creative or athletic... or both at the same time. Maybe I'll paint a picture while jogging.”
WHAT’S SOMETHING ADVENTUROUS YOU’VE DONE? WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?
“I flew with friends in a single-engine place to Turks and Caicos. I was terrified the whole time. But it was exhilarating.”
WHAT’S A GOAL YOU’RE WORKING ON?
“I wanted to get a PhD... and still do. However, until I figure out how to do it without taking out a loan, it will remain just a dream.”
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT WOMEN?
“I give them words of encouragement, brag about them, buy from them, and give them the benefit of my contacts.”
Our Spotlight Series ↗ amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.