Meet Kate Voth: 2013 President’s Award Winner

By Dara Quackenbush

One thing to know about Kate Voth, is she is amazing. She’s also one of the most optimistic people I have ever met. To her, things will always get better. If you don’t believe me, listen to this piece for NPR’s StoryCorp that she and her husband, Mike, recorded. They talk about plans to celebrate their 75^th anniversary.

Recently, Kate spent time at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House to get some relief from the pain she is experiencing with cancer. She has been in severe pain for months—to the point where even a car ride hurt—and checked into Christopher House for a week to get help. I visited her there on the day she checked out. As difficult as her days have become, all she could talk about was how much she looked forward to Banner. After all, she has served on the Banner committee for several years. She also talked about wanting to come to my house in Wimberley one weekend so she could see all the renovations I’ve done.

I don’t remember when I first met Kate, or if it was through WCA or Social Media Club. To me, Kate has always been a part of the Austin communications and social media scene. Her energy is boundless and her smile infectious. No matter what you need, Kate has been there to help. Need PR help for Banner? Ask Kate. Need a guest speaker for a social media class? Call Kate.

Kate always seems to inspire those around her. One of my former students told me he never realized he could get a job doing social media until he met Kate, and now that’s what he wants to do. This year, Kate inspired many people with Team Kate in the LIVESTRONG Marathon. One of Kate’s passions is running, and last summer her doctor told her to avoid any high-impact activity, including running, one of her favorite escapes. A group of friends decided to run the Austin LIVESTRONG Marathon in her honor. Soon others joined in. Even runners who didn’t know Kate joined the team after reading her story. Team Kate raised more than $55,000.

For her service to WCA, for her work in communications and social media, for her ability to inspire others and for her optimistic attitude, I am honored to select Kate Voth for this year’s WCA President’s Award.