Kate Grant is CEO of the Fistula Foundation, which is the global leader in supporting obstetric fistula treatment. Grant expanded the San Jose-based foundation’s impact and footprint from supporting one hospital in one country to more than 75 treatment partners in 26 countries across Africa and Asia. The foundation’s five-year strategic plan is to provide 80,000 life-changing surgeries to women in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia who have been left incontinent through childbirth. Learn about Kate Grant…
Hometown: Santa Clara, CA
First job: Waitress
What are your favorite ways to spend your free time in CA? Hiking in a mountain forest or strolling a gorgeous beach.
What is your biggest accomplishment and why? Raising my son as a single mom.
What is the biggest obstacle you overcame? Fear of failure building the Fistula Foundation from an organization supporting one hospital in one country to supporting more than 100 organizations in more than 25 countries.
Who is someone who inspires you and why? Edna Adan, founder of a hospital bearing her name in Somaliland. She built the hospital in her 60’s and is still going strong at 86.
What is advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do? Listen to your heart. If you are going to run a nonprofit, choose a mission that speaks to your deepest values.
What is your favorite quote? “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead
What is something someone would be surprised to learn about you? My great-grandfather homesteaded a ranch in Montana that is still in the family.
What makes someone fabulous? An empathetic soul and a ‘make dust or eat dust’ work ethic!