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Katherine Gajewski
Founder and Partner, City Scale
Professional Background
Katherine Gajewski is a highly regarded figure in the realms of local government, sustainability, and climate action. With extensive experience guiding policies and initiatives that foster environmental stewardship, Katherine has emerged as a skilled relationship manager and a coalition builder, adept at bringing together diverse constituencies for common goals. As a Partner at City Scale, she leverages her expertise to drive sustainable urban development initiatives that respond to the pressing challenges of climate change and urbanization.
Before her current role, Katherine made significant contributions to the City of Philadelphia, where she served as the Director of Sustainability. In this capacity, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at reducing the city’s carbon footprint and enhancing environmental resilience. Her efforts directly contributed to Philadelphia's recognition as a leader in sustainability practices at the municipal level.
In addition to her direct role in sustainability, Katherine played a pivotal part in the Mayor's Office as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff. This position allowed her to work closely with city leadership and contribute to strategic planning and policy development, reinforcing her reputation as a leader in public administration and government operations.
Katherine’s career has been marked by a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships and creating inclusive dialogues about sustainability practices. Her experience as the Bacon Environmental Fellow at the Center for Public Leadership at Harvard Kennedy School further enriched her understanding of the intersection between public policy and environmental challenges, equipping her with the tools to influence change and inspire others.
Education and Achievements
Katherine holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School, where she honed her skills in public policy analysis, governance, and leadership. Her education has laid a solid foundation for her dynamic career, enabling her to effectively navigate complex governmental frameworks and advocate for impactful climate action strategies.
Prior to her Master's degree, Katherine obtained her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from Wesleyan University. This strong educational background reflects her broad intellectual interests and commitment to understanding the multifaceted issues surrounding sustainability and public administration.
Throughout her career, Katherine has been recognized for her ability to bridge gaps between various stakeholders, ensuring that diverse voices are included in the decision-making process regarding sustainable urban development. Her dedication to sustainability and climate action has led to the development of impactful programs that reflect her leadership and vision.
Achievements
Katherine Gajewski’s impressive track record speaks to her capabilities as a leader in sustainability and local government. Some of her notable achievements include:
- As Director of Sustainability in Philadelphia, Katherine led several successful initiatives aimed at enhancing urban green spaces and increasing the city's resilience to climate impacts, resulting in significant improvements in environmental quality and community engagement.
- Her role as a coalition builder has enabled her to create partnerships with non-profit organizations, businesses, and community groups to promote sustainable practices and policies at all levels of government.
- Katherine’s time as a Bacon Environmental Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School allowed her to participate in high-impact research projects, further diversifying her expertise and providing her with insights that she has successfully applied in her professional endeavors.
- Her work with City Scale aims to develop innovative solutions that address urban sustainability challenges, reflecting her ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in communities.
Katherine Gajewski remains passionate about empowering local communities through sustainability initiatives and continues to inspire others with her dedication to climate action and public leadership.