Welcome, Katie!
We’re excited to introduce Katie Merkle, one of our newest consultants! Learn more about her background, current role, and what she would do with one extra hour a day in this interview.
Tell us about your new role at Holistic! What do you do? Who are you working with?
I am a Consultant, and I'm looking forward to establishing relationships with clients and building processes through a DEI framework. I'll also be working alongside the facilitation team in regards to programming.
We're interested in learning more about your background. Can you tell us more about your career journey?
I come out of higher education with a background in feminist research, education, and advocacy. I am currently wrapping up my Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, in feminist geography. And, you may be wondering what is feminist geography?! Well, feminist geography applies a spatial lens to examine everyday identities, such as gender, race, and sexuality. My academic work, and much of my teaching, dealt with institutional violence. Feminism provides me with intersectional vantage points to view how power takes shape. It really has been the guiding light of my life.
Let's switch gears. What excites you about life? What gives you hope? What keeps you up at night?
I subscribe to the attitude expressed by prison abolitionist and anti-racist activist Mariame Kaba that hope is a discipline. It is something that takes work and daily practice. My work at Holistic is a part of how I practice hope.
What's the most helpful piece of advice you've ever received, and why?
To stay curious. I find that curiosity is full of possibilities as it encourages us to learn and look outward.
If you had an extra hour each day, what would you do with it?
It would most likely involve food, but it should be spent writing my dissertation!
Lastly, what do you do for fun?
This past year I spent a lot of time outside. I recently got into road biking during the spring and summer and cross country skiing in the winter. I live in Milwaukee, so finding an outdoor winter activity made winter much more enjoyable.
Thank you for all that you do, Katie!