35 under 35
Kathryn Cardin Curtis Pi Rho - University of West Georgia
Public Affairs Specialist III, AAA, The Auto Club Group
Which of the Delta Zeta shared values resonates with you the most? Empowerment
How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
I started my work in the traffic safety field in 2017. At that time, nationally, there were 34,560 traffic fatalities that year; 1,540 of them were in my state of Georgia. My passion for my work was created by those numbers. Unfortunately, the trend continues to rise. The wonderful thing about what I do is fight to make that number smaller. Every one of those numbers has a story and opportunity to impact the public. It is my job to educate the public to ensure those stories are heard, and behavior is changed. Overall, my passion is making sure people buckle up, don’t drive impaired and put their phones down, and eventually I’d like to hope that those numbers would be zero.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
The traffic safety world is a very small world. People move about it, but never really leave. The wonderful thing about this is the comradery that is created within our bubble. My invaluable mentors within traffic safety is the group of women I get to work alongside. These women put their all into what they do and generate effective change. Overall, these women’s influence in our traffic safety community stems from their diverse perspectives, leadership qualities, advocacy efforts and contributions to research and education. Their presence and contributions have created a more inclusive and effective approach to improving road safety for all users. Each of them has created space for the other, making them all my mentors.
What words of wisdom or advice do you live by?
”It is well with my soul.”
This comes from my favorite hymn that talks about how trails shall come, but it is well with my soul, because my God is with me. As someone that struggles with anxiety, I find comfort and peace within my relationship with God.
What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have listened to, that relates to you professionally? What made it so impactful?
While it may sound self-serving, it is extremely true. The podcast that has had the most impact on me is the one I currently produce, and co-host, ”The Turn Signal.” The title is derived from Georgia’s first safe system summit held in 2023. As an onset change from the conventional safety approach, the Safe System Approach focuses on both human mistakes and human vulnerability and designs a system with many redundancies in place to protect everyone. This is an extremely new concept in Georgia and around the country. I created the podcast to continue conversation around safe system and what its impact looks like in Georgia. I was able to leverage partnerships from across the state to make sure that we are interviewing key players in this new arena. I can stretch my knowledge by scheduling, co-hosting and producing the podcast, and find great satisfaction in seeing an episode come to life. While we are still in its’s infancy, I know ”The Turn Signal” will be a highlight of my career.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
I rely on the partnerships I have built throughout my career because building partnerships creates my successes professionally. I focus on connecting with these partners regularly by providing value to their projects, celebrating their success and supporting when needed. I check in regularly with them through different ways. I have joined a number of groups that allow me a wide array of partners. It’s like a spider web – in that, once you are caught in the Katie partnerships, I strive to connect you to others that are able to help and vice versa. I have been fortunate to grow true friendships through these partners. I always strive to remember that networking is a two-way street. I am genuinely interested in their projects and offer value when applicable. Through this, I have been able to connect a strong and lasting network.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
My friendships are like my lifeblood for inside the office and out! They are always there to challenge and support me. They celebrate my wins but are also my honest critics. Knowing that I have a support system, that believes in me and my abilities, always has given me an extra boost of confidence to walk into any room. My Delta Zeta little, Haley, has been with me always. We met when I was a camp counselor at a girl’s government camp, then reconnected right away when she came home to Pi Rho. She has been with me on the good days and the bad, always providing a listening ear or a time full of laughter. We have been each other’s bridesmaids, karaoke partners, and sisters. She is always there to provide a reprieve from the stresses of life and lets me talk her ear off whenever we are together! She embodies love that is ever steadfast, and I am thankful to call her my friend, but also my sister.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to be camping with my husband, Dustin, and our dog, Dolly. I also love being with our families. If I’m not doing those things, then I am crafting for the Renaissance Faire!