Kate Borders
University Circle Inc.
Education: Master’s degree in arts administration, Columbia College Chicago
What Motivates Me: Curiosity and empathy. I want to expand my view of what is possible without ever losing sight of the people who are impacted.
Most Important Leadership Quality: Reflection. If we aren’t constantly looking at how we can be a better version of ourselves, then we aren’t self-aware and we aren’t growing. This also sets a standard for those around you to also commit to self-improvement.
My Very First Job and What I Learned From It: My first job was driving on a landfill that my father owned. I actually got to operate heavy machinery as a teenager. I learned that we can accomplish seemingly insurmountable tasks with the right tools and that it is good to get dirty and do hard work. You can shower and rest when the work is completed.
Hobby/Passion: Gardening. Planting something, watching it grow and learning the unique needs that it has with respect to light and water and soil is meditative and connects us to the earth.