Client Spotlight: Kathryn Stephens on Authentic Leadership in Nonprofits

Kathryn Stephens, Executive Director of Momentum Excellence

In this client spotlight, we hear from Kathryn Stephens, Executive Director of Momentum Excellence, as she shares her unique journey from the performing arts to nonprofit leadership. With a passion for empowering youth and transforming lives, Kathryn discusses the importance of women supporting women in the workplace, the challenges she’s faced and the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. Her insights offer a powerful reminder of the impact authenticity and collaboration can have, especially in fostering meaningful change.

LW: You have extensive experience in non-profit work. Have you always had a passion for people — specifically children? What made you go into nonprofit work?

KS: My journey to nonprofit work actually began in the performing arts. I started my career as a professional artist, and while I loved performing, I felt called to make a more direct impact on people's lives. What drew me to nonprofit work was the desire to be proximate to humanity and create meaningful change. Throughout my career — from expanding Walk with a Doc to 147 locations across 27 states, working with The Buckeye Ranch serving Ohio's youth, to my current role at Momentum — I've seen how community programs can transform young lives. Working with children is especially rewarding because we have the opportunity to help shape the future by empowering youth to reach their full potential.

LW: What's your favorite part of the job?

KS: My favorite part of the job is bringing our community together through music, dance and performance. There's something magical about watching our team expand the minds and bodies of Columbus' future leaders. It truly creates those “pinch me” moments that remind me why I love what I do. We're in the business of bringing joy, and there's incredible power in that. The arts have this unique ability to transform, unite and inspire, and facilitating that transformation in our community is deeply fulfilling. Daily, I witness how artistic expression creates connections and breaks down barriers, creating a more vibrant and connected Columbus.

LW: What challenges, if any, have you had to overcome to be in the position you are in today? Has bias played a role?

KS: Like many women in leadership positions, I've faced challenges that forced me to examine and ultimately reject others' expectations of how I should present myself. Early in my career, a male supervisor to me that no one would ever take me seriously if I continued to smile the way I do. That moment stood out because it represented a larger pattern — the unspoken pressure on women to suppress their authentic selves and fit into a more traditionally masculine model of leadership.

I've also encountered sexual harassment, particularly in development and fundraising roles, where relationship-building is crucial to success. These experiences taught me difficult but important lessons about navigating power dynamics and the very real impacts of patriarchy in professional spaces.

But what I've learned through these challenges is that effective leadership isn't about conforming to someone else's template — it's about leveraging your authentic strengths and values. My ability to build genuine connections, show empathy and yes, smile, has been key to my success in building coalitions and driving positive change. These “soft skills” that some once criticized are vital leadership qualities, especially in the nonprofit sector, where mission and human impact are at the heart of everything we do.

Today, I'm focused on creating spaces where all leaders — particularly women and those from underrepresented groups — can lead authentically and be valued for their unique perspectives and approaches. The challenges haven't disappeared, but I've learned to transform them into opportunities to model a more inclusive style of leadership.

LW: What is your number one piece of advice for those in event planning?

KS: My number one piece of advice for event planning is to partner with professionals who not only understand your vision but have the expertise to elevate it. I've experienced this firsthand working with Lisa at LW Events. She's shown me that successful events require both creative imagination and meticulous execution. Through our collaborations on both new initiatives and legacy events, I've learned that the key to extraordinary events lies in having a trusted partner who can anticipate challenges, adapt to change and transform ideas into unforgettable experiences. Whether planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale production, having the right event partner makes all the difference between executing an event and creating a memorable experience that resonates with your audience and achieves your goals. Lisa is the perfect partner for me. 

LW: Why is it important for women to work together in professional spaces?

KS: Women working together in professional spaces creates an ecosystem of support, mentorship and authentic leadership. From my own journey — starting as an artist, navigating the nonprofit world and now leading an arts organization — I've seen how women's collaboration can transform challenges into opportunities. When we work together, we can address systemic barriers more effectively, share strategies for overcoming common obstacles and create spaces where we can all lead authentically. Most importantly, when women support women, we create a multiplier effect that benefits not just individuals, but entire organizations and communities. The mentors and partners I've had throughout my career have been instrumental in helping me stay true to my values while developing as a leader.  

LW: What advice would you give to women looking to grow as professionals?

KS: My advice is threefold: First, stay authentic to who you are — your unique perspective and natural strengths are assets, not liabilities. Early in my career, I was advised to change fundamental aspects of myself to “be taken seriously,” but I've learned that true leadership comes from authenticity, not conformity. Second, build genuine relationships and find mentors who support your growth while honoring your authentic self. Finally remember that your journey is your own — success isn't about fitting into someone else's template of leadership; it's about creating impact in a way that aligns with your values and vision. In the arts and nonprofit world, I've found that some of the qualities others might dismiss — like empathy, creativity and relationship-building — are actually superpowers when it comes to creating meaningful change.