Katharine Reece

Why I work at Impact on Education:
My spouse and I relocated to Colorado from New York in 2018 so he could pursue his PhD in Education at CU Boulder. He is a public school teacher, and I’ve taught writing at various community colleges and spent three years working at the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Boulder County. Through these experiences and also as former foster parents through Boulder County, we’ve had front-row seats to the systemic challenges that many of our neighbors face. Father Greg Boyle says, “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a covenant between equals.” I try to approach philanthropy and my work with nonprofits from that perspective.

What makes me smile:
My family, beautiful prose, hikes in the woods or near water, the character Leo Gursky in Nicole Krauss’ novel The History of Love.

Favorite teacher:
There are so many! I was fortunate to be a kid who loved school and thrived within the system, connecting with the majority of my teachers. But right now, my favorite teachers are those of my two sons! They are both public school students in Boulder County and they’ve had some incredible teachers that changed their (and our) lives. Looking at you, Ms. Wills, Ms. Higgins, and Ms. Staples! Teachers are the true superheroes.

More about me:
I grew up in Montana on a llama farm and am a childhood cancer survivor. I started my career as a journalist and writer in New York, and eventually moved over into fundraising through the invitation of a dear mentor and friend. I’ve stuck around because of the remarkable work that nonprofits are doing, and the inspiring hearts behind those who give to make that work possible. 

Ask me about
Our rescue pup Libby (feel free to Google “Basschshund”), my past life moonlighting as a photographer, making bone broth.