This week, we speak with a Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) member who has roots in North Carolina but also enjoyed an opportunity to live in France.
Meet Kathryn Anderson, a Member-At-Large on the JLC Board of Directors and Leadership Support Leader on the Board’s Task Force. Read on to find out more about Kathryn.
Q: Tell me about yourself (where you were born/grew up, family background, early life, etc).
A: I was born and grew up in Greensboro, NC. My twin sister, mom and dad still live there. I went to undergrad at Boston University, where I studied journalism. Post graduating, I lived in Carrboro/Chapel Hill, Washington, D.C., then moved back to North Carolina to get my master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology & Human Resources Management at Appalachian State. My husband and I live near Camp North End with our dogs and cats
Q: What have you gotten from the Junior League?
A: The JLC has given me a source of connection to my community: connection with other women as well as a connection to Charlotte – all with the purpose of supporting its members
Q: How have you contributed to the League?
A: I’ve contributed through my roles – Provisional Advisor and Membership Advisory Committee – where I have enhanced the member experience.
Q: How has the Junior League helped to develop your potential?
A: The JLC has served as another outlet for me to bring my experience, skills, abilities and knowledge as a Human Resources Business Partner to the table to make an impact. At the end of the day, the JLC is an organization just like any other. Strategies around people, processes, culture, etc., are all important, just like in my day job.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: When my sister and I were four, we were expats in Paris, France, for my mom’s job. Living abroad and being exposed to different cultures at that age was such a wonderful opportunity. I’m sincerely thankful for that experience every day
Q: What motivates you to work hard?
A: I’m motivated to make a good experience for others. I love when I have the opportunity to learn from others and develop them.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: One of my proudest accomplishments was passing my comprehensive examination with distinction in grad school. I was the only member of the cohort without an undergrad degree in psychology, so quantitative and research methods required some catch-up and partnership with my other cohort members, who were amazing and are now lifelong friends.
After two years, being able to demonstrate my knowledge that felt authentic and intuitive was really empowering. It confirmed for me that I was in the right career.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A: Hopefully, with a couple of trips with my husband and/or friends under my belt, being a good and fun aunt to my nephews and being happy in my career. My husband and I are both hoping for an international assignment with our jobs.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: I love to cook, read, travel, work out (F45) and watch too much TV.
Q: How do you think your friends would describe you?
A: My friends would describe me as even-keeled, supportive and open-minded.
