Katrina Meckes

Katrina Meckes is the Development Director at the Illinois chapter of Breakthrough T1D. In this role, she oversees peer-to-peer programs and leads her development team by setting goals, developing strategy, and managing performance to maximize fundraising for the organization's mission. She also serves on the chapter leadership team, working across departments to operate more effectively and raise additional funds.

With more than ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including five years at her current organization, Meckes brings a deep commitment to service that began in childhood. Inspired by her mother's work as a labor and delivery nurse and her father's emphasis on acts of service, she pursued a communications studies degree at St. Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana. She values the college's all-women's liberal arts environment for fostering curiosity and surrounding her with strong female role models. Meckes also spent time in the hospitality industry with the startup Industrious, which was later acquired by CBRE.

Meckes is most proud of the trusting relationships she has built with volunteers, donors, staff, and leadership. She has assembled high-performing teams that embrace coaching and open communication, leading to results that often surpass goals. Looking ahead, she aspires to operational leadership positions such as VP of Field, Executive Director, COO, or Chief of Staff, with a focus on running the business side of a nonprofit while continuing to seek inspiration from leaders across industries.