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The global pandemic has profoundly impacted the way we connect with each other — hands up if you had a virtual meeting this week? In 2022–23, ��ɫӰ�� launched a new way for Katies to give back to the community: PeopleGrove, St. Kate’s online mentoring platform. A digital platform embedded right into the St. Kate’s website, PeopleGrove is a space where our alumni community can help guide, inspire, and support our students and each other — no matter where they are.

“Today, our students are walking into the job market seeking really practical skills and advice,” says May Thao-Schuck, EdD, vice president of career and professional development. “PeopleGrove provides them with a space to get prepared and supported, as they connect with alumni in their field, or in the organization they are preparing to interview for — in real time.”

It’s not just for current students. PeopleGrove also offers a way for our alumni community to support each other. Alumni can utilize the platform just like students, seeking advice or inspiration from peers in their field or beyond.

McKenzie Meyer ’22 found her connection with a 2011 graduate to be a valuable resource in her burgeoning professional life. Her mentor “provided a lot of advice and insight, as well as her own experience,” says Meyer. “I came away with lots of new knowledge about the PA [physician assistant] career and possible next steps in my own career journey.”

While more than 120 alumni have joined the mentoring community so far, Retka Tidd is keen on seeing more alumni join, in order to reach more students and connect Katies in one space.

“I would encourage all our Katies to join PeopleGrove,” she says. “Imagine how we could change the world if our students had 52,000+ alumni at their fingertips to lean on as they navigated their careers!”