Finding Home Between Two Worlds: Katie's Journey from Madrid to New Albany

Katie's story is one of continuous movement and adaptation, with a profound connection to Spain that spans over a decade. Her relationship with the country began in 2011 when she convinced her parents to let her participate in a Spanish language program, pitching it as beneficial for college applications. What started as a month-long program ignited a lifelong passion for Spanish culture and way of life.

The contrast between her driven, type-A personality and Spain's relaxed pace of life created a transformative experience. Upon returning to the United States, Katie was determined to find her way back to Spain. Fortune smiled when her father announced the family would be moving to England. Seeing an opportunity, Katie convinced her parents to let her complete an exchange program in Spain instead, where she lived with a host family that welcomed her warmly. This experience cemented her connection to the country, maintaining relationships through college and into her professional life.

Katie's professional journey has been equally dynamic. She currently works for Sigo Seguros, an insurance technology startup focused on serving Hispanic working-class and immigrant communities in Texas. Her role evolved from Chief of Staff to Head of Finance, giving her visibility into all aspects of the company's operations. The experience has provided valuable entrepreneurial insights as she helps navigate fundraising rounds and investor relations. Katie's bilingual skills and previous insurance industry experience made her particularly suited for this role, highlighting how her international background enhances her professional capabilities.

Community remains central to Katie's life philosophy, influenced by her time in Spain where social connections are deeply valued. After spending two years working remotely from Madrid on an American schedule (3 PM to midnight local time), Katie found herself missing meaningful community engagement. This ultimately influenced her decision to return to the United States, specifically to New Albany, where she found a walkable community with similarities to what she loved about Spain.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Katie's personal life demonstrates remarkable depth. She teaches Legree fitness and yoga at Soma Lab Fitness, sharing her passion for health and wellness with others. Her hobbies range from tennis to baking elaborate cakes for friends, and she's even taken up churning her own butter – activities that might seem at odds with her finance executive persona but showcase her multifaceted nature.

Perhaps most moving is Katie's story of donating a kidney to her brother. When his first transplant (from their father) began to fail after 14 years, Katie underwent extensive testing to determine if she could be a donor. The process required both physical and mental preparation as she came to terms with the permanent nature of organ donation. Three years post-donation, both she and her brother are thriving, with Katie maintaining her active lifestyle with just one kidney – which has expanded by 70% to compensate for its missing partner.

Katie's journey illuminates how life experiences across different countries and circumstances shape our perspectives and priorities. Her story reminds us that community, health, and meaningful connections transcend geographical boundaries, and that sometimes the path with more resistance yields the most rewarding outcomes.