Trailblazer Spotlight

Dr. Kathryn E. Wiley

Howard University, Assistant Professor

Interview Questions

What is a story that you’d like to share related to your experiences and/or the legacy you hope to leave?
Throughout my life I have been blessed to have several impactful women mentors – including neighbors, ministers, and teachers — women who made (and still make!) a big difference and have helped me navigate difficult situations. They have my best in mind and challenge me to grow beyond my comfort zone. Because of this, the legacy I wish to leave is one of supporting and mentoring girls and young women to pursue their inner callings, purposes, and passions.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
A public figure who inspires me is Marian Wright Edelman, an American activist for Civil Rights and Children’s Rights and a trailblazer in many ways. One of my favorite quotes from Mrs. Edelman is “We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make, which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”