BLOG

Tell us about you—where you’re from, any fun facts about yourself, and where you spent your career prior to Beacon.

I’m originally from Benton, Kentucky, a small town in the very western corner of the Bluegrass State. But, important to my upbringing, I am not a Wildcat! I spent four years in Nashville at Lipscomb University, and moved to Washington, DC, for my first ever job–interning in the office of (then) Representative Marsha Blackburn. I came to the Beacon Center from two incredible organizations, Young America’s Foundation and the Federalist Society. 

A fun fact about me–I am a college basketball enthusiast and love to set up March Madness leagues for my friends and coworkers. I am always available for some trash talk to Duke fans!

Is there anything specifically that you can recall that helped shape your political philosophy and prompted you to want to work in public policy? 

In my first ever internship in Washington after college, I was one of eight young women sharing a tiny townhouse right next to the US Capitol. Upon accepting the position, I learned I was the token right-of-center participant in the program and spent four long months experiencing the hostility that came from daring to think, much less speak, differently than everyone else around me. Ironically, I was also working for Representative Blackburn at the time, whom I saw firsthand go toe-to-toe with some of the most formidable men and women in the federal government. She was such an inspiration for me then, and it is truly a full-circle moment for me to be back in the state where she is now running for governor. 

You’re from Kentucky and lived in Washington, D.C., but you ended up in Tennessee. Why Tennessee, and why Beacon? 

I am originally from Kentucky, born and raised, but Nashville became a second home for me while at Lipscomb, and I always thought I’d end up back in or near Tennessee (not only for the no state income tax!). Living in DC helped guide my career and fulfill interests, but you can never take the South out of the girl! My family and siblings are all in and around Tennessee, and I wanted to be back with them. 

Seeing an opportunity to continue doing the work I am passionate about, at an organization like Beacon, was impossible to pass up, and I was so excited to join the team. 

What’s one thing you’re passionate about—inside or outside of work?

Really delicious food! No, actually–I love to cook and enjoy food with my friends and family, whether hosting or out at a new place. For all the Tennesseans, I am always taking recommendations for Nashville or Memphis-area places, so please send them my way! 

What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?

I have a miniature goldendoodle named Mr. Bean–you don’t have to look far to find photos of him around me. We love to check out local coffee shops, get pup cups, and walk them off after! 

If you have more questions for Kat or want to schedule a meeting with her, you can reach her directly at kathryn.beale@beacontn.org.