Katie Santoro

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in public service or policy, and how did your time at the Trachtenberg School shape that path?

A commitment to public service has always been at the center of how I think about my career. My undergraduate degree was in international relations, but I recognized early on that I needed a more versatile foundation to have the kind of impact I wanted. The Trachtenberg School was my pivot point. Through the program, I secured a paid internship at the Office of Management and Budget and a summer associateship at Deloitte’s public sector strategy practice - two experiences that launched my career as a strategist for social impact organizations working at the intersection of policy and organizational effectiveness. That path has led me to where I am today, leading corporate strategy at AARP and helping shape the direction of one of the country’s most influential advocacy and community impact organizations. The Trachtenberg School didn’t just open doors; it helped me build a career with staying power in work I care about.

What does being named a Trachtenberg Alumni Impact Honoree mean to you personally?

Being recognized by an institution that played such a formative role in my career is both meaningful and validating. The Trachtenberg School gave me direction at a critical moment, and those early experiences set me on a path I’m proud of. It’s a reminder that even when you’re working behind the scenes shaping strategy, the work has real impact. I also want to recognize Denise Fowler, the Trachtenberg School's Director of Career Services, who was instrumental in those early opportunities.

What advice would you give Trachtenberg students and alumni who want to make a meaningful impact?

Be flexible about your path. Have a clear sense of where you want to go, but hold the route loosely. I went to the Trachtenberg School specifically to pivot out of the nonprofit sector - and I’ve ended up back in it, doing the most meaningful work of my career. The moves that have served me best weren’t always the obvious ones: early on, I took a title and pay cut for my position at the Office of Management and Budget, which enabled me to build critical skills and connections which positioned me for future roles that I couldn’t have landed otherwise. Strategic lateral moves or a half-step back can be worth it if they build the right skills or get you in the right door. If an opportunity moves you in the right direction, it’s a good move, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into the plan.

What goals or aspirations are you currently working toward in the next phase of your career?

I’m beginning to explore board and advisory work with small and emerging nonprofits in the D.C. area. These organizations often have powerful missions but limited access to the kind of strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and operational expertise that larger institutions take for granted. I want to help change that - and to give back directly to the community I live and work in. After years of building that expertise, including in my current role at AARP, I’m ready to start bringing it to bear from a different vantage point and for organizations that could really use it.