Kate Goddard
Class Year: 1991
Current City/State: Purcellville, VA
Major: Political Science
Email: poltavagal@gmail.com
Why I Wanted to Serve on the Alumni Council:
I want to help enhance the reach and influence of Grinnell and to reconnect with the roots of my intellectual development. I look forward to facilitating connections between local and federal organizations and Grinnell students and alumni.
In terms of reconnecting, as a student in the late 1980s we spoke of many issues that are front and center today – racial equity, the climate crisis, and democratic representation. If Grinnell continues to be prescient, re-engaging with students there now will help me better understand the issues of the future, helping me grow as a leader.
A Quote I Like:
“For there is always light,
if only we're brave enough to see it.
If only we're brave enough to be it.”
―Amanda Gorman
A Little Bit About Me:
I am a collaborative, transformative, and inquisitive evaluator with 20 years of experience in designing and executing research and evaluations, with specific interest in engaging stakeholders and communicating actionable results. I currently have the great privilege of working as an evaluator at the U.S. Department of State. I am passionate about social justice, public service, and upholding the foundational principles of this country. To feed the right side of my brain I sing, and when I’m not doing that, I’m reading, biking, or watching my magical teenage son play baseball.
Other Alumni Involvement: Grinnell in Washington, Admissions volunteer