Her Story
About Kathy
I founded RISE Advising Services, LLC to help individuals and organizations create meaningful, manageable change through emotional intelligence and human-centered leadership. Through executive coaching, leadership training, workshops, and organizational consulting, I work with leaders to align vision, values, and strategy with the culture and systems that drive results.
My work focuses on strengthening trust, relational infrastructure, communication, and resilience so organizations can perform at a high level without losing their humanity. I am a certified Social and Emotional Intelligence coach, and my doctoral research on authentic leadership among women administrators continues to inform my work with women navigating complex leadership environments.
Before launching RISE, I served for nearly nine years at Cal Poly Humboldt as Director of Undergraduate Advising, Career Services, and Community-Based Learning. I led the integration of academic and career advising centers, directed comprehensive student success operations, and advanced equity-centered strategies that strengthened engagement and retention across the institution. I led the development of major statewide and campus grant proposals, securing and managing more than $4 million in funding. As Principal Investigator on a $3.3 million California for All award, I led the proposal that expanded paid internship opportunities for historically underserved and disadvantaged students in partnership with community organizations.
Earlier in my career at Colorado State University, I spent 14 years building advising and student success programs, supervising professional teams, and advancing inclusive initiatives serving thousands of undergraduate and MBA students.
I hold a PhD in Educational Leadership and Human Resource Studies from Colorado State University and an MA in Counseling from Trinity Washington University. I remain deeply committed to helping leaders grow in self-awareness, build strong teams, and create organizations where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to do their best work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, integrity, and a commitment to leading authentically. I have always been willing to take responsibility for both the strategic direction and the human side of leadership because results and relationships are inseparable. I am motivated by mission rather than ego, and that has guided my decisions, especially during challenging seasons. I value adaptability and continuous learning. I pay attention, refine what works, and build on strengths to create stronger outcomes over time.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A former boss once told me to walk toward what I want, not away from what I fear. That advice reshaped how I make decisions. When I feel pressure or uncertainty, I try to recognize whether I am operating from fear or from intention. The difference matters. Growth comes from moving toward something that reflects your values, not simply escaping what feels uncomfortable.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Let your leadership be grounded in who you are rather than who you think you should be. Build competence and confidence, and understand the systems you are navigating. Protect your integrity as you grow. Over time, alignment between your values and your actions becomes your strongest form of credibility.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Organizations are trying to sustain performance in environments marked by rapid change, burnout, and distrust. Many leaders are technically capable but underprepared for the human complexity of their roles. The opportunity lies in strengthening relational infrastructure and emotional intelligence at the leadership level. When trust, shared responsibility, and clear values guide decision-making, teams become more resilient and organizations become more stable.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and authenticity guide how I lead and how I live. I value honesty, courage, and shared responsibility, and I believe leadership should elevate others and expand opportunity. Equity and education are central to my work, and I am deeply committed to growth, both personally and professionally. Helping others strengthen their capacity and confidence is at the heart of what I do.
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