workshop | ledbykate

Andy SwindlerCo-Founder & Chief Empathy Officer, Feel Real

Nahamani Yisrael — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 01:55:39 +0000

Kate’s capacity for facilitation is so natural that I often forget just how much experience she brings to the table. Here’s a hint: it’s prolific! And she was holding space online even before COVID made it cool. She was one of the first people I collaborated with at the beginning of the pandemic, since she was already doing it rather than learning on the job. In terms of topics and outcomes, Kate goes DEEP in equity and justice issues, for groups, communities and organizations. And on top of all that, she’s super fun! I humbly offer Kate my highest recommendation.

Troy Bronsink, The Hive: A Center for Contemplation, Art, and Action.

Nahamani Yisrael — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:58:18 +0000

Kate McCracken is a one-of-a-kind facilitator. Kate has been working with us at the Hive for several years, as a facilitator, as an active group member, and as a trainer of facilitators. The Hive is a conscious community equipping those seeking inner and outer transformation with awakening experiences and fuel for collective change in the world. What this looks like on the ground is Kate helping hold circles and groups online in ways that brings out the inner change a person seeks, and challenge to discover this in the presence of others. Kate makes more brave mindful action possible happen for others. As a participant, Kate is able to stay with herself, while vulnerably offering from her abundance to others. As a trainer, Kate can help consolidate thinking, organize thoughts into learning objectives and frameworks, and mix them together with humor, guidance, curiosity, and invitation. Kate knows how to welcome others, set the tone, get to the point, and land the plane gracefully- a combination that very very few facilitators share. The Hive community is better for her generous contributions and presence. And on top of all that Kate is someone you want to hang out with after everything is said and done.

Maggie Perrino

Nahamani Yisrael — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:22:49 +0000

Kate facilitated an anti-racism training for my team. There are a lot of racist structures embedded in the hierarchy of the theatre industry and Kate has helped us identify both problems and potential antidotes for these structures. Kate creates an open, safe space for hard discussions and never shames us for being where we are on our anti-racism journey. I appreciate her ability to adapt with the flow of discussion as well as challenge us to see roles and protocols we’ve used for decades in new ways. Her foremost concern is not to instruct or correct, but rather to facilitate our own learning journey.

What impact has Kate had on you?

Because of Kate, my core team is becoming more comfortable having tough discussions.

What is unique about the way Kate works?

Kate is less instructive than other DEI trainings I have attended. Her practice is based in letting us discover problems and truths about the way racism shapes our world, not lecturing us with lists of what to do and not do.

What would you say to someone who is considering working with Kate?

I would say that Kate has an incredible warm presence and she offers safe, calm facilitation for discussions that are often turbulent and combative.

Jamie J. Umanzor Founder, President, & Principal Consultant |C3 Equity Consulting

Nahamani Yisrael — Fri, 20 Nov 2020 00:12:30 +0000

What role did/does Kate play in your life/work?

I first met Kate in a training that she facilitated. She was so inspiring and impactful that I adopted her as my mentor.

What impact has Kate had on you?

Kate was the first person in my entire career that I met who was unapologetically out and proud. Seeing a queer woman who was confident and thriving changed me. It was the first time that I had living proof it was not only ok to be my full authentic self but necessary.

What is unique about the way Kate works?

When I made the decision that I needed her to be my mentor, I don’t think I asked. I’m pretty sure that I said something along the lines of, “I hope it’s ok that I am adopting you as my mentor.” Because Kate leads with such authenticity and candor, I had every confidence that she would have a positive reaction. That was almost four years, and we still have a great relationship.

What would you say to someone who is considering working with Kate?

Almost 4 years later, I am still proud to count Kate among my mentors. As a queer woman (of color), Kate is an inspiration. Her authenticity and candor greatly compliment her mentoring and coaching style. Kate has a gift for helping you to figure out the solutions that are right for you at whatever stage you are in life or business. I can confidently say that Kate helped me to dig deeper and cultivate greater courage for standing up as a visible advocate for marginalized communities.