Kate Carpenter, M.Ed.

As a policy and advocacy associate, Kate drives effective policy implementation by analyzing data, building strategic relationships, and advancing the priorities of Educate Texas and CFT. She works across all policy areas, with a specialized focus on strengthening pathways to postsecondary credentials for the state’s most vulnerable students, ensuring a robust and competitive Texas workforce.

Prior to joining CFT, Kate was part of the team at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) that managed the distribution and administration of $8 million in legislative funds aimed at improving student success. These funds supported 35 institutions and programs dedicated to serving marginalized student populations. She also has experience working in federal congressional offices, higher education consulting, and with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).

Kate holds a bachelor’s in political communication with summa cum laude honors from The George Washington University where she was inducted into honor society Phi Beta Kappa and served as student body vice president. Kate will finish her master’s in higher education leadership and policy from The University of Texas at Austin.