Katie Houck is the associate director of the Confluence Collaborative for Community Engagement at WashU. With extensive experience in nonprofit management, community-engaged higher education, and program development, Katie is dedicated to creating programs and resources that support mutually beneficial, sustainable partnerships and is a passionate advocate for community engagement and equity.
Prior to WashU, Katie was the executive director of Urban Harvest STL, where she led a team in food access and educational programs, overseeing administrative and financial functions including fundraising and partnership development. She collaborated closely with the board of directors on strategic planning and event management.
Previously, Katie held leadership roles at Tulane University’s Center for Public Service, managing student fellowships, leadership and social justice programs, and internships. She oversaw a large AmeriCorps VISTA program that placed nearly 40 individuals in service each year. Katie also managed the Tulane University’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, funded by the U.S. State Department.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in American Studies from Saint Louis University, and will complete her Master of Public Administration from the University of New Orleans in December 2025.