Katie Petersen is a manager in Advancing Innovation for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. She joined the Foundation in 2007, and currently directs one of the Foundation’s newest projects, iStart, a community for business plan competitions.
She has been involved with iStart since its inception in early 2010, helping to develop and execute the community’s business model, implement an overall marketing campaign, and handle day-to-day operations to ensure the site’s success.
In addition, Petersen is the manager for the iBridge Network, a program of the Kauffman Innovation Network. Petersen serves as the direct liaison with iBridge Network members, overseeing all aspects of membership services from recruiting prospective members and guiding them through the application process to uploading their recent innovations and setting up meetings between collaborators. Additionally, she is closely involved with setting the strategic direction of the iBridge Network as well as ensuring site features and functionality accurately reflect members’ demands.
Petersen also is active in community and philanthropic endeavors in Kansas City, where she serves as a Director of Events for Stand Up for Kids Kansas City and volunteers at the Rose Brooks Center. She also serves as a Specialized Recruitment Consultant for Gamma Phi Beta. Petersen earned a bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University.
