EPISODE · May 12, 2025 · 1H 4M
#81: Leadership, Compassion, and Resilience ft. Kate Houck
from Cultivate with Alex Canavan · host CNY Women's Network
Welcome back to Cultivate CNY, in today’s episode, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Kate Houck to the podcast!For nearly a decade, Kate Houck has been the heart and driving force behind David’s Refuge—a Central and Western New York organization dedicated to supporting parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening illnesses. Under her leadership since 2015, David’s Refuge has not only expanded its reach and impact but has also been recognized as one of Central New York’s Best Places to Work for five consecutive years. Through innovative programming and tireless advocacy, Kate has helped redefine what community support looks like for caregivers facing extraordinary challenges. Kate also founded Brave CNY in 2023, a prosocial consulting firm in Fayetteville, focussed on developing individuals, businesses and communities throughout Central New York.Before her time at David’s Refuge, Kate spent over ten years with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, honing her leadership skills and deepening her passion for service. A SUNY Cortland alumna and a proud 40 Under 40 honoree, Kate is committed to fostering growth—not just within her organization, but throughout her community. She lends her expertise to groups like Profound Mastermind, Women United, and the Marsellus Forward Nonprofit Leadership Group, and has invested deeply in leadership and DEI training to strengthen her impact.In this episode, we dive into Kate’s journey, the transformative work of David’s Refuge, and the ways leadership, compassion, and resilience can change not just lives—but entire communities.Connect with Kate on LinkedIn!Follow David's Refuge!Apply for a spot at the CNYWN Supper Club on May 23rd!If you're a woman professional or business owner in Central New York, get listed on the CNY Women's Network Directory to be seen, connected, and hired. Visit: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/get-...Check out the directory: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/dire...Apply to be a guest on Cultivate CNY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY: / alexandra.canavan Follow Cultivate CNY on Instagram: / cultivatecny Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...Follow the CNY Women's Network on Instagram: / cnywomensnetwork Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok: / cnywomensnetwork This episode is brought to you by the CNY Women’s Network. CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/memb...Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.This episode is brought to you by Diam Media Group: https://www.diammedia.com/
What this episode covers
Welcome back to Cultivate CNY, in today’s episode, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Kate Houck to the podcast!For nearly a decade, Kate Houck has been the heart and driving force behind David’s Refuge—a Central and Western New York organization dedicated to supporting parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening illnesses. Under her leadership since 2015, David’s Refuge has not only expanded its reach and impact but has also been recognized as one of Central New York’s Best Places to Work for five consecutive years. Through innovative programming and tireless advocacy, Kate has helped redefine what community support looks like for caregivers facing extraordinary challenges. Kate also founded Brave CNY in 2023, a prosocial consulting firm in Fayetteville, focussed on developing individuals, businesses and communities throughout Central New York.Before her time at David’s Refuge, Kate spent over ten years with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, honing her leadership skills and deepening her passion for service. A SUNY Cortland alumna and a proud 40 Under 40 honoree, Kate is committed to fostering growth—not just within her organization, but throughout her community. She lends her expertise to groups like Profound Mastermind, Women United, and the Marsellus Forward Nonprofit Leadership Group, and has invested deeply in leadership and DEI training to strengthen her impact.In this episode, we dive into Kate’s journey, the transformative work of David’s Refuge, and the ways leadership, compassion, and resilience can change not just lives—but entire communities.Connect with Kate on LinkedIn!Follow David's Refuge!Apply for a spot at the CNYWN Supper Club on May 23rd!If you're a woman professional or business owner in Central New York, get listed on the CNY Women's Network Directory to be seen, connected, and hired. Visit: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/get-...Check out the directory: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/dire...Apply to be a guest on Cultivate CNY: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA...Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY: / alexandra.canavan Follow Cultivate CNY on Instagram: / cultivatecny Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...Follow the CNY Women's Network on Instagram: / cnywomensnetwork Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok: / cnywomensnetwork This episode is brought to you by the CNY Women’s Network. CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York.Email [email protected] to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand.Join The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women: https://www.cnywomensnetwork.com/memb...Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective.This episode is brought to you by Diam Media Group: https://www.diammedia.com/
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#81: Leadership, Compassion, and Resilience ft. Kate Houck
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