Katie Turek

Pronouns: she/her

Values/Strengths

Inclusion: It is extremely important to me that all people feel valued.  I seek to build communities of care where everyone is welcomed and included.  I also love getting to know people and finding points of connection.

Learning: I love to approach my work with a sense of inquiry.  By being observant, listening intentionally, and engaging in thoughtful reflection (both individually and in conversation with others), I find that I gain important insights that help guide my actions.

Connectedness: On a personal level, I feel that we are all connected to each other and the world around us. It is important for me to honor others’ identities and experiences, to hold space for the multitudes and complexities that we contain, and to consider my responsibilities to the people and environment around me and to the world more broadly.

Curiosity: I am constantly seeking to expand my understanding of the world. I love to read books, listen to podcasts, and talk with others about what they are passionate about. It energizes me to learn something new and share it with others!

My first job after college was: AmeriCorps Site Coordinator at a nonprofit community resource center called LIFT. I managed two bustling office locations in North and West Philadelphia where community members could access free, one-on-one support working toward their goals relating to employment, housing, public benefits, education, and healthcare. I would encourage anyone who is interested to consider post-graduate service, whether through AmeriCorps or one of the many other wonderful programs that exist; my national service experience certainly shaped me into the person and professional I am today!

My job during college was two work-study positions: front desk attendant and tele-counselor within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at my alma mater, The Ohio State University! I loved meeting prospective students and their families and sharing my experience with them. During graduate school, I was the Graduate Assistant at Civic House at the University of Pennsylvania.

Something I enjoy outside of work is: anything to do with food! I love cooking vegetarian (sometimes vegan) creations, trying new restaurants, and have recently gotten very into gardening! 

A cause I am passionate about is: educational equity. I have had wonderful teachers and educational experiences in my life, and I believe everyone should have that opportunity.

Katie joined Bryn Mawr in October 2022 as Associate Director of Experiential Education within the Career & Civic Engagement Center. She has more than 10 years of experience centering around civic engagement, student development, and career coaching within higher education and nonprofit settings.

Prior to coming to Bryn Mawr, Katie taught and worked as the Career and Placement Director at The Philadelphia Center, an experiential learning study-away program for college students. She also coordinated civic and community engagement programs at Ursinus College and completed two years of AmeriCorps service at LIFT-Philadelphia, a nonprofit community resource center.

Katie lives in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia with her partner and three cats.