Her Story
About Katie
Katie Fredericksen serves as Senior Director of Operations and Philanthropy for Shriners Children's Twin Cities. She entered the field of healthcare and philanthropy after majoring in marketing and mass communications in college, when an internship opportunity with a foundation during a job interview sparked her interest. Since returning to healthcare in 2019 after a two-year stint in the nonprofit sector, she has focused on building deep relationships with donors, including organizations, family foundations, and individuals, to support Shriners' mission through creative giving strategies. A notable achievement includes her role in securing a seven-figure gift for a bone marrow cancer transplant center. Fredericksen attributes her success to the strong work ethic and ambition instilled by her parents from a young age. She values integrity, honesty, and reliability in both her professional and personal life, and advises young women to confidently bring their unique perspectives to every room and to actively pursue their goals without waiting for the perfect moment.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say I'm so fortunate to have been raised by two parents that are incredibly ambitious and have worked incredibly hard within their careers. From a young age there's just no other option. Working hard and establishing yourself and making a name for yourself and making sure that whatever career you do you become the best at it is something that was ingrained in me from the day I was born.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Best career advice is to walk into a room, sit down at the table knowing what you bring to it, whether that be a new perspective, a new idea, a new initiative. Knowing that whatever you're bringing to the room is something that no one else can. Making sure that I remember that I have skills, I have tools that others don't, and to be confident in every room that I enter.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be so confident in who you are and what you bring to the table. There's not a single person that carries the same characteristics, traits, level-headedness, or passion that you do. Make sure that you know how important you are and what you bring to the table. If you want something, go get it. Don't sit and be patient and wait for the right time, go get it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is the transition between giving and generations. A lot of philanthropy comes from a generation used to being generous. The challenge is how do we re-engage that younger generation and make sure philanthropic support doesn't stop with the grandparents. How do we engage the younger couples and families coming into money and make sure they know and feel inspired by philanthropy.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, leading and guiding with those principles. Being a good friend, a good person, being somebody that's reliable is really huge both professionally and personally.
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