when I feel the most balanced is when those are my foundation. That’s my center. WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE TO LEAVE FOR YOUR CHILDREN? KATHERINE: Instilling a strong foundation in faith and family, because that’s a constant force driving me through life. It’s very important that they have that. HOW HAS YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON WORK AND LIFE SHIFTED SINCE BECOMING A MOM? KATHERINE: I remember going back to the office after my first maternity leave, and trivial things that would bother me before didn’t anymore. At the end of the day, I just want to get home to my kids. I just want to be a mom. That's first and foremost. I’m much more guarded about how I let things affect me, and I don’t get bothered by all the noise. WHAT IS A TRADITION OR ACTIVITY YOU HAD GROWING UP THAT YOU’RE EXCITED TO PASS ON TO YOUR KIDS? KATHERINE: Being from Lafayette, I have very strong Cajun roots on both sides of my family, and we would go to the dance
hall, and there would be a Cajun band. I feel like I will fail as a Cajun mother if they don’t know how to dance two step. And so it started. We’re going to more festivals, and there’s a dance hall in Lafayette by the airport, and we took them there this past weekend. I’m like, alright, we’re doing this more, because they just love the music, and it was so fun to see them, listening to the music and dancing. WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR ROLE AT THE LOUISIANA DEALERS ASSOCIATION? KATHERINE: Working for the dealers and representing the auto dealers of Louisiana, it was so much more than I expected. I didn’t come from an automotive industry background, so getting to tell the stories of what the dealers do for our communities, for their employees, and just the vast community, it’s so inspiring to know that they’re so selfless, they’re so giving. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER PARENTS? KATHERINE: Don’t sweat the small stuff. When new moms come to me with questions, I tell them to trust their gut, because we really do have this maternal-
paternal instinct deep in us. And, you know your kid, and every kid’s going to be different, so give them the grace and the space to grow and explore. Find what works for your family and be flexible, because it’s going to change. Give yourself all the grace, and just trust your instinct, because you’ve got it.
RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS Favorite local spot for family day… We love all of the BREC parks. One word that best describes your family… fun. Favorite TV show
and movie to watch… Parks and Recreation and The Holiday . Favorite food…
crawfish étouffée. Hidden talent… dancing.
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