Kate is the owner of Eastside Café: Coffee & Wine Bar in East Dundee, where she has spent the past eight years creating more than just a café—she has built a community gathering place centered on connection, inclusion, and belonging.

After earning a degree in Political Science and building a career in public service and education, Kate took the leap into entrepreneurship, transforming her vision of a welcoming "third place" into reality. Through creativity, resilience, and a willingness to embrace both successes and setbacks, she has grown Eastside into a destination known for its unique events, community partnerships, and commitment to supporting other local businesses.

As a small business owner, Kate is passionate about authentic leadership, community engagement, and encouraging others to pursue opportunities even when the path isn't perfectly clear. She believes that meaningful businesses are built on relationships first, and that creating spaces where people feel seen and valued can have a lasting impact.

When she's not at the café, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, reading, and developing new ideas for her businesses.