Kate Fitzgerald-Martinez

STORYTELLER AND CO-FOUNDER

The seeds for Construct were planted in the organic backyard garden of a preschool in Portland, Oregon.  When Kate met Gina Condon, they watched as Gina’s son presented an undulating caterpillar in his palm, and Kate’s daughter reached out to offer the caterpillar a flower to munch. The adult’s conversation turned quickly to the benefits of lived experiences in education, to collaboration, and to empathy. In the months that followed, the concept for launching an education non-profit to catalyze Oregon public education--transforming schools by utilizing the practices of design thinking: problem solving, collaboration, creativity, empathy, and curiosity--took root. Construct was born.  

For 30 years, Kate has directed her energy into her personal mission of providing opportunity, fairness, and equity for young people, ensuring everyone has the tools they need for personal wellness and educational success. In non-profit development, she has secured millions in grant awards for organizations with humanitarian, well-being, and educational missions, including for both the Natural History Museum and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.  Kate’s diversified experience includes being a film producer, script writer, LGBTQ student group facilitator, and student information system project manager with clients in education, youth support services, and healthcare. Besides Construct, Kate works with the National University of Natural Medicine to nurture an equitable, affordable, and holistic approach to wellness. Kate’s film company, intention action, has a simple directive: create film and video for good. Kate is thrilled to share the bounty of Construct’s growing garden with everyone in the school system who is ready to embrace not a program, but a new education mindset. 

Begin telling your Construct story: kate@constructfoundation.org