Kate believes in the power of collective impact to solve our most pressing public challenges. Since 2013, she has served as a field representative for U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), vice chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. In this role, Kate has enjoyed working alongside diverse stakeholders to advance federal legislative and spending priorities specific to the human services, housing and education needs of Vermonters. Prior to joining the Senator’s team, she was appointed by Governor Shumlin to help manage statewide disaster recovery efforts after Tropical Storm Irene severely impacted more than 80% of Vermont’s rural communities in 2011. While at Princeton, Kate is eager to build on this experience by exploring new partnerships and collective strategies to address poverty in the United States. Prior to arriving on campus, Kate enjoyed an extended sabbatical to travel solo throughout Central America, Europe, and the American Southwest.