Project Description
Catherine Curry Williams is a force for positive change. She has been committed to philanthropy for over two decades. She draws in and influences others, cultivating meaningful connections between individuals and ideas, instilling a shared sense of purpose and dedication to making an impact.
Challenging philanthropic norms, Catherine pushes boundaries and defies established perceptions. As a dedicated advocate and co-founder of Shane’s Inspiration, established in 1997 in memory of her son Shane, Catherine has led Global initiatives to create inclusive sensory- and literacy-rich playgrounds throughout the world that unite children of all abilities.
In 2020, Catherine expanded her impact by co-founding She Angels Foundation, which awards monthly grants to grassroots organizations supporting young women and girls. A fervent advocate for women’s empowerment, she shares her wisdom and passion through teaching and speaking.
Catherine’s journey has been marked by numerous honors and awards, reflecting her impactful contributions. L’Oreal Paris’ “Women of Worth.” Catherine received the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama. She was recognized as one of the “Women of the Year” for the state of California. Her achievements have been acknowledged by esteemed institutions such as The Today Show, the March of Dimes, People Magazine, Good Housekeeping magazine, LA Lifestyle magazine, and The Huffington Post, to name a few.
TOPIC: Challenging Conventional Concepts of Philanthropy
In this keynote, the traditional narrative of philanthropy is flipped, demonstrating how anyone, regardless of budget, can become a change-maker. Through humor, grit, and real-world stories, audiences are inspired to ditch the excuses, rethink what it means to give, and start making an impact immediately. Forget big checks—this talk is about bold action, a fresh mindset, and discovering unique ways to leave the world better than it was found.
Participants will leave the session able to:
Kickstart their impact with doable strategies that leave them feeling fired up and ready to change the world, one step at a time.
Apply a fresh, accessible approach to philanthropy that aligns with their personal values and financial abilities.
Create a plan to start making a tangible difference immediately, using practical tools and actionable strategies shared in the session.
Reviews for Cat
“Cat is a passionate, innovative leader and the driving force behind She Angels Foundation who has taught me so much about the world of non-profit. Her fearless determination and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of women and girls is an inspiration, and redefines for me what it means to be a philanthropist.”
“Cat is a bold, purpose-driven strategist and change-maker. Her pioneering work in deconstructing traditional philanthropy models is breaking down barriers to funding, empowering communities, and addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Her strategic and innovative approaches to giving make her an invaluable advisor. As a speaker and panel member, Cat brings invaluable insights and inspiration, challenging us all to rethink how we can drive meaningful change.”
“Entering a space curated by Cat is entering a realm of greatness. Cat is not only an exceptional leader and philanthropist but also a master connector. Working alongside her in the advancement of women has been a profound honor. Her unwavering commitment to empowering others is unparalleled. Having someone like Cat on your team is a game-changer—she embodies dedication, vision, and the ability to inspire meaningful change.”
