Dr. Kathy Koch 

Dr. Kathy Koch (pronounced “cook”) is a captivating speaker, author, and founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc. At a time when few women were earning doctorates or teaching in universities, Dr. Kathy earned her PhD and quietly but courageously blazed a trail for those who would follow. Once a “too-tall, chatty Kathy” who didn’t fit the expected mold, she was shaped by adults who inspired her to live long and be strong to find out why she is the who she is. Today, she weaves research, wisdom, and joy into a compelling invitation for emerging leaders: know who God made you to be, discover how you are made on purpose with purpose for a purpose, lead with clarity and compassion, and trust God's call even when the path feels unconventional. Through her teaching on identity and the Smarts, and with a deeply relational approach, Dr. Kathy inspires a new generation to lead faithfully, think bravely, and become the woman God has been preparing them to be all along.