Community Spotlight
Be a Good Human:
Katie Nardone's lifelong philosophy, and how it led her to Rainbow Place
"Giving back feeds my soul. I hope when people see me, they can say there goes a 'Good Human.'"
— Katie Nardone
Katie didn't stray far from home. Born and raised in Colesville, Maryland (her mother was very specific about that distinction: "Katie, we have our own Post Office!"), she is the youngest of seven siblings who remain, in her words, each other's best friends and confidants. For the past 30 years she has made Brookeville, Maryland home with her husband Mark and their three kids, a family that has grown to include partners and grandchildren.
When her kids were young and heading out the door to school, Katie had a habit of calling after them: "Be a Good Human!" It became something of a family motto, and it pretty well sums up the way Katie has lived her own life.
"I believe giving back is a civic duty," she says. "Of time, talent, and treasure, I tend to give my time and talent. As I have gotten older, I have more time and talent to give, so I do."
Katie spent 25 years leading a nonprofit agency's art department, overseeing design and managing its IT infrastructure, and has since built her own client base in marketing, design, and event management. That professional background has made her a sought-after resource for nonprofits looking to get the word out. "Most charities seek me out for my event management and graphics/marketing background," she explains. She brings her network and her skills together in service of causes she believes in.
Today, her primary volunteer home is EmpowHERed, a proud Indivisible chapter of compassionate, like-minded women dedicated to building and strengthening their communities through service, advocacy, and action. Katie serves as a Creative Strategist and one of the group's leaders. "We often hear, 'I have found my people!'" she says with a laugh. The group built its identity carefully, not just how they look online and in print, but what they stand for, and their message has spread organically through small-group volunteering, events, and community activism.
It was through EmpowHERed that Rainbow Place came onto Katie's radar. The group hosted "Amplify Hope," their inaugural music fundraiser, and wanted the proceeds to go to a Montgomery County charity aligned with at least one of their three pillars: women, LGBTQ+, and immigrants. "Rainbow leapt to the top of the list with its good works in two, possibly even all three pillars," Katie says. "We were delighted to find you!"
In addition to EmpowHERed, Katie volunteers with the Rotary Club of Olney, In Honor of Her, and most recently the National Capital Trolley Museum, where she is helping launch their first-ever "Live at the Loop" music festival series fundraiser. "Community is everything to me," she says. "This place is a literal local hub!"
For anyone wondering how to get started doing what Katie does, her advice is simple: "Just start. Don't wait for the perfect fit. Find something that speaks to you and raise your hand. One opportunity leads to the next." Rainbow Place is grateful she raised hers.