Staff Spotlight: Kourtney Kirkpatrick | Director of Advancement | September 14, 2023

In August we welcomed Kourtney Kirkpatrick to the Anawim Housing team! Kourtney is our Director of Advancement. We sat down with Kourtney to learn a bit more.

What are some of the things you look forward to most about your role with Anawim Housing as the Director of Advancement?

I am genuinely so excited to be working at Anawim because I get to continue making a great impact and driving positive change in field I am deeply passionate about. I get to share the mission and vision of Anawim while building meaningful connections. It doesn’t get much better than that!

What in your experience is often the most enjoyable or surprising part of being in fundraising? 

My favorite part of fundraising is making meaningful connections with individuals and organizations who share a passion for housing. It's a privilege to engage in heartfelt conversations, hear inspiring stories, and witness the genuine enthusiasm that people have for making a difference. Fundraising, at its core, is about bringing people together to effect positive change, and that sense of unity and shared commitment is what makes it such a fulfilling and enjoyable endeavor.

What was it about Anawim Housing that initially drew you to want to work here? 

The mission is absolutely what drew me to Anawim Housing. Since I was already working in the housing space, I have always admired the work Anawim does.

What drives you in your career and life? 

I possess a deep aspiration to leave the world better than I found it. I am dedicated to using my privilege to foster a more empathetic and compassionate society, ultimately enhancing the collective human experience. My attraction to the field of housing arises from its alignment with my core values and the belief that housing constitutes a fundamental human right, affirming that every individual should have access to a secure and welcoming place they can call home.

What are some hobbies or interests you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I love to read/listen to audiobooks. I consume 70+ books a year. Traveling energizes me. I am true crime obsessed. Reality TV brings me joy. I am also a huge fan of "Armchair Expert" - a podcast hosted by Dax Shepard and Monica Padman that highlights the messiness of being human.