Meet Kate Guthrie (she/her), Development Director at The Rowan Center!
Describe your role at The Rowan Center
As Development Director, I help the Rowan Center raise the money we need to fund the important work we do in our community. Even though our line of work can be heavy, it’s incredibly meaningful and SO necessary.
What initially drew you to The Rowan Center?
It’s always been critical for me to end each day having made a difference—having made the world a little bit better and healthier. I think everyone here is partially driven by the desire to help pull others out of a dark place, and provide camaraderie at the bleakest hour; to help even the playing field for everyone who has been disadvantaged by a chaotic life event, like unexpected sexual assault. This precise ability to help and contribute to a community is of high personal value.
When I learned about The Rowan Center, and when I talked to the team and saw the energy that was already there, I was immediately fully invested. I thought, ” this is somewhere I can really excel – somewhere I can involve a community to help catalyze change.”
What keeps you at The Rowan Center?
Our work here is heavy and often challenging, but the gratitude around us is so energizing. I have never received more thank yous on behalf of the work of a non-profit. They are truly heartfelt from everyone around us: government officials, families, the community. It makes us remember and understand the intense value of the work we’re doing. People really respect our work—and they should. The support is truly energizing— it reminds us just how important it is to keep going and keep pushing.
Can you share something people might not know about The Rowan Center?
Our staff is a force to be reckoned with! When we disagree, we all disagree well. We have constructive conversations that don’t often occur in many workplaces. I think it is pretty unique.
Tell us about a favorite memory during your time here.
One of my favorite memories—one that makes me smile—is this time when there was a little bit of office mischief.
A number of people got involved in decorating other people’s things with googly eyes. Then there were payback googly eyes—on milk, trash cans, white boards…it was chaos of the best kind. It reminded me just how playful our team can be. And some days, we definitely need it!
What do you wish the community knew about The Rowan Center?
We are the only center in lower Fairfield County that offers free services for victims and survivors of sexual violence. There is nothing holding anyone back from utilizing our services or hotline. Anyone can walk in our doors or call us and get help. There are no barriers—not with payment, insurance, legal status, immigration status, or anything else. We open our doors to everyone.
What makes The Rowan Center special?
I think what makes us special is that everyone knows our instructors, and is at ease with them, even though they’re taking on such a challenging topic. You’d be surprised at our classes – they are dynamic, conversational, and informative —and there’s usually a few jokes in there too, from both the staff AND the students. This ability to connect speaks volumes about our team here. That even though we are small, we have an incredible breadth of reach. Our small team interacts with a huge number of people —over 22,000 individuals a year. The fact that we go to schools, meet with elected officials, partner with multiple businesses across 8 cities and towns—with under 20 people—it’s incredible.
Lightning round questions
Do you have any hobbies?
Before COVID I used to do a lot of boxing. My partner likes to do a lot of car racing, so I’ve been learning a little more about that. And when I’m not doing that, we’re fixing up a sailboat and attempting to plant a garden.
Favorite coffee shop?
Whatever coffee I can have on the beach. Any beach, any view of the water—I’ll manage with the coffee.
Where should people eat, what should people do, or where should people go if they visit your community?
If you haven’t lived here for your whole life, you might not know about the river tubing opportunities. In the summer, you can get out on the water, have snacks at restaurants near the river, and just enjoy the day. Near Kent Falls, there are lots of little places to go. That and estate sale hopping—particularly in spring and summer. I can make a day of it!
What is something that you are learning or very curious about?
I’ve been learning a lot about Japanese cooking and etiquette. Particularly during the pandemic, there was a small group of us that would cook together, and one of our friends had a preference for Japanese and Korean cooking, so I started to learn. It’s so precise—like a zen garden.