Kate Abdelfatah

29 | Director of Donor Engagement & Individual Giving, King Street Center
Residence: Chittenden

Career highlight: Landing an internship with the development office at Let’s Grow Kids during my senior year of college, despite having no prior experience in development. That opportunity was the catalyst for what has become a nine-year career in fundraising.

Community involvement: I am deeply involved with, the Aldrich Public Library in Barre. I have served as a trustee since 2024 and currently serve as secretary of the board, contributing to the library’s mission through leadership, fundraising and strategic planning.

Currently, I am deeply involved with my local library, the Aldrich Public Library in Barre, Vermont. I have served as a Trustee since 2024, following my role as Chair of the Development Committee beginning in 2023, a position I still hold. I now also serve as Secretary of the Board, contributing to the library’s mission through leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning.

What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: Growing up in Braintree, VT, a strong sense of community and the importance of helping neighbors was instilled in me from a young age. As someone who has benefited from that support, I’m committed to doing the same for Vermont children and families, ensuring all of our neighbors have what they need to thrive. Living and working here allows me to contribute to the place that shaped me and help strengthen the community I call home.

Favorite part of your job: At King Street Center, I’m lucky to work with amazing people who really care about the community we serve. Every day feels meaningful, whether it’s toddlers building new connections, kids getting matched with their book buddies, or high schoolers touring a college campus for the first time, just to name a few. Those moments and many more, keep me inspired and motivated to fundraise for an organization I truly believe makes a difference.

Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite place in Vermont has to be anywhere with a dirt road, especially the winding back roads that take me over the Floating Bridge in Brookfield, VT, and out to my brother’s apple orchard, Liberty Orchard. Nothing beats the crunch of leaves and the crisp fall air.

Favorite downtime activity: In my downtime, I love reading, spending time with close friends, counting down the days to the next Taylor Swift album, visiting my family in Randolph, and grabbing a bite to eat or catching a show with my fiancé, Brendan.

If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: If I had unlimited funds, I’d support Vermont-based organizations that help children and families access education at every stage, as well as those that support the whole child and whole family by creating enrichment opportunities, providing resources, and showing up for them through any circumstance to ensure their basic needs are met.

What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: Over the next 5–10 years, I hope to continue growing as a development professional and deepen my impact on the lives of Vermont’s children and families. I truly believe philanthropy has the power to create meaningful change in our communities, and I would be honored to continue being part of helping make that change.