We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Katie Peters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Katie, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I have never been a person who measured success in dollars. For me, it’s about VALUE. I am successful when I feel valued in my role and also feel that my work HAS value. We aren’t on this planet to make money. We’re here to make a difference. If I feel undervalued or that my work is not impactful, I am not successful by my standards.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I look at young people, specifically young women, who are trying to find their footing professionally, I want to shout, “Stay at the table!” There were so many times in my career where people tried to divert my plan by telling me something wouldn’t work, things could never change, my way was too idealistic or (the worst) my methods were a waste of time. Today, I hold a valued role in my job, was a finalist for Ohio Teacher of the Year and have given keynote speeches all over the United States about the importance of empathy in the workplace. It’s important to take advice from others, but it’s equally important to throw bad advice away. Change and new ideas/methods intimidate weak people. Recognize that and stay at the table. Pursue ambitions with unapologetic vigor and unequivocal kindness. You can have firm boundaries and a soft heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love my city. It’s the perfect blend of up-and-coming, new wave hip, mixed with old-school, historic architecture. My husband and I love date nights downtown with no destination in mind. We’ll play cards at Earnest Brew Works (a local brewery), hit up Home Slice (local pizzeria) for a delicious slice and then have a nightcap on the BEST patio in town at SOUK, eating food with Mediterranean flair. Our city has incredible parks, awesome local shopping (Jupmode and Handmade Toledo are favs!) and every day, I take a morning walk from my house to see the waterfront views of Point Place. There is a great cost of living here and we get all 4 seasons!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Growing up in the digital age as I did, it’s easy to get lost in the rabbit hole of what really matters. My grandmother was a hotel maid who raised 5 kids mostly on her own and would still have given you anything she had left. Growing up, that sort of compassion and innate goodness was far more impactful on me than anything I saw online. Even when she had nothing, she saw beauty in everything. She taught me how I wanted to see the world – and I think she would be proud of how intentional I have been in doing that.

Website: katiepeters.org

Instagram: kpintoledo

Linkedin: Katie Peters, Ed.D

Twitter: kpintoledo

Facebook: kpintoledo

Other: TikTok: @kpintoledo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutOhio is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.