Keynote Speaker, Kate Winslow, spoke on Focusing on Life and Sense of Place, tied in with the theme of Celebrating Purposeful Progress for the CA Statewide Convention article.
Kate Winslow is an amazing person. She was the ideal person to lead us , given her knowledge, people skills, experience, apparent wisdom, professionalism, and worldliness, not to mention an uncanny sense of humour. She made herself approachable to all of us, and no question was too insignificant for her to answer. She truly was our personified “Google” on this remarkable introduction to South East Alaska.
More important than anything, was that she made us feel that everything was “under control”, and that allowed us to relax and fully enjoy our vacation. She somehow managed to form us, over a period of a week, into one large 18 person family, with everybody interacting with each other. With the number of occupations that she has had over her working career, it is no wonder that she is able to relate truly interesting stories to us about so many topics. Being well rounded by reading books is one thing , but to have actually lived these experiences is so much more interesting, and informative. She is equally as comfortable speaking to a large group as she is in a one- on-one situation.
I believe that Kate would be well suited to lead a trip of mature adults anywhere in North America, and probably most places in the world. She is wise beyond her years, and with a keen sense of adventure, I think she could tackle anything. I would not hesitate for a minute to go on another trip lead by Kate Winslow. She , as much as the scenery, made this a trip to remember.
Peter Hunter, Road Scholar Graduate., Class of 2018
Thank you for your time and attention to my introduction of Kathryn Winslow. It seems to me that she is just the kind of you may want in your company. You see, although she earned her Master's degree in Education Leadership and Administration she is also a graduate of Iowa’s Wartburg College: Bachelor of Arts (BA-Education).
Kathryn has ten years of experience in writing and delivering educational curriculum, where she received a lot of recognition on her presentation of information, rapport with others, and knowledge of the materials. She has teaching experience with middle school, high school, college, and adult students. This know-how was built within an environment of teaching the Chinese, Alaskans, American Indians, Puerto Ricans, African Americans, and Caucasians in both rural and urban communities.
I think Kathryn, a talented teacher, trainer, or facilitator and will easily apply her work ethic, communication, and leadership skills in your organization. This is due to her experience and wish to be surrounded by people who like to learn, are resilient, direct, effective, and willing to try new ideas.
Kathryn likes to work at problem resolution, meeting a challenge, accomplishing a hands-on assignment with flexibility in perspective. She enjoys the satisfaction of engineering an appropriate solution. She says she does this by thinking outside the box: and likes to be considered “well-rounded” in her approaches.
This also includes her active participation in a healthy lifestyle: like bicycling. Kathryn has guided bicycle tours in Alaska, and served on the Sitka Fire Department as a Search and Rescue member. She has also led leadership/management workshops and classes to Fire Departments’ Captains and Chiefs and college and adult students.
This is Taylor Slavens, a student from Mr.Harrisons class. I just wanted to say, thank you for everything. You have given me such a new perspective on life and this whole project really changed my life.
It was delightful to get to spend time with you, and I loved your speech. It was perfect! Your views on life are ones that will take you far, in such a positive way. That positive spirit flows out of you and touches all you meet. Wonderful!
Looking forward to meeting up with you again soon.
Hugs!
When I think back on all of the events of this past year for which I am grateful, my time in Alaska takes top honors, only behind the birth of my grandson Jennings. You were such an important part of that magnificent experience, with your patience , knowledge, insights, kindness, and gentle spirit.
I have thought often of that time, grateful not only for exceptional weather and wildlife experiences, but for the fellowship of the group, the bonding with siblings and spouses, and an enhanced awareness that EVERYTHING is connected.
I cannot understate how important that understanding is becoming for me.
Thanks for teaching me all the ways it all works together, with banana slugs bringing along bouquets held within their skirts.