Reify Spotlight Series

The Reify Spotlight Series amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Katie
Gailes

My cofounder and I started an organization that facilitates small group, intimate conversations on race among a curated, very diverse group of people. The objective is to guide understanding and, eventually, some peace in our country.”
Katie GailesCo-Founder, OUR STORIES: Brave Conversations on Race

What’s something you’re working on?

I am writing a novel called Hot Buttered Cornbread. It is the first in a 3-book series called The Cornbread and Butterbeans Series.

Tell us about something you’re proud of

Finishing my MBA. My daughter was born in the middle of the program. I was one of very few women in the class. I drove almost 400 miles roundtrip every other weekend... and several other things.

Do you have a mantra?

I AM________.

I don't have one day-to-day mantra. But, this year it has most often been I AM________.
I am a natural workaholic and don't think I will change that. But I can change WHAT I am working on and make it look more like my personal vision statement.

My greatest struggle?

Current and ongoing: mismatched sock syndrome.

But I am pushing through the fear.

Where do you find calm?

I like digging in dirt (because no one would mistake what I do for gardening).

Where will we find you when you retire?

Doing something very creative or athletic... or both at the same time. Maybe I'll paint a picture while jogging.

What something adventurous you’ve done? Would you do it again?

I flew with friends in a single-engine place to Turks and Caicos. I was terrified the whole time. But it was exhilarating.

What’s a goal you’re working on?

I wanted to get a PhD... and still do. However, until I figure out how to do it without taking out a loan, it will remain just a dream.

How do you support women?

I give them words of encouragement, brag about them, buy from them, and give them the benefit of my contacts.

Katie Gailes

Katie Gailes

KatieGailes

What’s something you’re working on?

I am writing a novel called Hot Buttered Cornbread. It is the first in a 3-book series called The Cornbread and Butterbeans Series.

Tell us about something you’re proud of

Finishing my MBA. My daughter was born in the middle of the program. I was one of very few women in the class. I drove almost 400 miles roundtrip every other weekend... and several other things.

Do you have a mantra?

I AM________.

I don't have one day-to-day mantra. But, this year it has most often been I AM________. I am a natural workaholic and don't think I will change that. But I can change WHAT I am working on and make it look more like my personal vision statement.

My greatest struggle?

Current and ongoing: mismatched sock syndrome.

But I am pushing through the fear.

Where do you find calm?

I like digging in dirt (because no one would mistake what I do for gardening).

Where will we find you when you retire?

Doing something very creative or athletic... or both at the same time. Maybe I'll paint a picture while jogging.

What something adventurous you’ve done? Would you do it again?

I flew with friends in a single-engine place to Turks and Caicos. I was terrified the whole time. But it was exhilarating.

What’s a goal you’re working on?

I wanted to get a PhD... and still do. However, until I figure out how to do it without taking out a loan, it will remain just a dream.

How do you support women?

I give them words of encouragement, brag about them, buy from them, and give them the benefit of my contacts.

Katie Gailes

The Company We Keep

Katie
Gailes

I don't have one day-to-day mantra. But, this year it has most often been I AM________.
I am a natural workaholic and don't think I will change that. But I can change WHAT I am working on and make it look more like my personal vision statement.