#WhyWednesday: Katie Helmlinger
We are delighted to continue our #WhyWednesday series with Katie Helmlinger!
#WhyWednesday is a weekly feature of a leader that is involved in our organization. A “why” is the reason they decided to become involved with Female Strong, what female empowerment and leadership mean to them, or why they do what they do.
Katie Helmlinger has spent the last 12 years of her career in a variety of positions in the healthcare space. In late 2020, after 11 years with Cardinal Health, she moved to Quidel Corporation, a leading manufacturer of diagnostic lab testing. Katie earned a BA from The Ohio State University and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Ohio University.
Outside of work, Katie enjoys running, yoga, reading, cooking, travel, and trying new restaurants. In addition to Female Strong, she also volunteers with the Lakeview Pantry. She lives in Lakeview with her dog, Ruby.
Katie is also one of the founding member of the new Young Professionals Board at Female Strong. We are so honored to have her on the team. Their inaugural event, Level Up Your Network, is a virtual event for young female professionals who want to intentionally build relationships with those at similar stages in their careers.
What is Your “Why,” Katie?
I was lucky enough to grow up with a mother who encouraged me to find my own way and build an independent life. She also instilled in me that when women have more power, it is better for everyone. Before retiring last year, she spent the last several years of her career working with the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and encouraging the next generation of girls to do the same.
Female Strong works to instill these same values of independence and self-reliance among girls growing up today. As someone who knows the importance of the values in my own life, I want to help develop our future female leaders and help girls reach their full potential.
