Kathleen McGowan

About Kathleen: Kathleen is the part-time Volunteer Coordinator for UGATA. Kathleen had previously served about two terms with UGATA through AmeriCorps as a trail-builder before entering this position. She grew up in Pennsylvania and has several family connections in North and South Carolina. Kathleen graduated from Penn State, studying Earth Sciences and Water Resources. She enjoys swimming, yoga, and the Food & Bev Industry.

Favorite Trail or Greenway: I love the Mt. Nittany trail system in State College, PA. While in college, running Mt. Nittany was the most freeing escape from academia. Moving to the Upstate, there are a lot of competing trails! I am a big fan of the trails past Gorges State Park, the waterfalls along the way are truly amazing.

Why I Support UGATA: I began serving with UGATA in 2023, wanting to be in the non-profit world, surrounded by people who are on the same page, and together have power to make an impact. UGATA couldn’t have been a better example. Being a part of UGATA, an organization that can make such an impact to a community in a direct way, helped me understand what I wanted to do in life.  Non-profit work is so powerful and is not for the weak. You work hard and get rewarded through the impact you make!!!