Katie Calabrese

With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Katie has built a career around connecting ideas, people, and purpose to create meaningful impact. For the past eight years, she has been part of NACCE, where she has had the opportunity to lead and contribute to initiatives that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and expand opportunities for communities nationwide.

Her background as a project manager has shaped how she approaches work, balancing strategy with execution, and always keeping people at the center. She is especially passionate about designing and delivering projects that don’t just succeed on paper, but leave a lasting, positive mark. Many of the programs she has helped lead have been recognized as award-winning, reflecting the collaboration and shared vision behind each effort.

Outside of her professional work, she brings a love of learning and connection into everything she does. Katie holds a Master of Education, has spent over seven years as a corporate trainer, and is also a certified fine wine sommelier, experiences that have deepened her appreciation for storytelling, nuance, and creating memorable experiences. At home, she is a proud mom of three and wife to an entrepreneur who owns several businesses, an environment that continuously inspires her passion for innovation, resilience, and building something meaningful.

At the heart of it all, she is driven by the opportunity to make an impact, whether that’s through building programs, supporting people, or helping ideas grow into something lasting.