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

Hi Katie, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m originally from Pleasanton, California and have a big, loud, loving family. I have three younger siblings. My mom’s father was a first generation American and instilled an innate desire to work hard that can be seen in the generations to follow. Despite not having much at all, they were thankful and humbled by what they did have. My parents were both raised in lower income households and worked so diligently and intentionally to provide a better life for my siblings and I. Learning about my parents’ backgrounds and having conversations with my grandparents, I felt so honored and blessed that they truly worked hard to put the ones they love first no matter what. Despite feeling exhausted, helpless, and overwhelmed, they put those feelings aside to do what was right and still found the generosity to pay for someone’s meal in Denny’s or talk to a stranger who might have been having a rough day. My grandparents were go-getters and full of grit despite the odds not being in their favor. With my family background and being an educator in a Title 1 school, I have first-hand experience in working with kids who come from very tough backgrounds.

I grew tired of doing what I felt like was the bare minimum, and decided to be more intentional about helping others, just like generations before me. My upbringing changed me for the better. It humbled me and reminded me to be thankful for what you have. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

Hearing the struggles of my grandparents, parents, and teenagers around me has made a lasting impact and has inspired me to be the change. Don’t wait around for the “perfect moment” to start a non-profit or lead an outreach. Life is too short to sit by and be complacent.

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.
I’m currently an EMT certified, 8th grade English teacher in the DFW area, but I also run a non-profit, Jeremiah 1:5. We are a new organization but super, super eager to grow and help more people! I’m so proud of myself for creating Jeremiah 1:5. I decided to start the process of creating a non-profit while staying at my parent’s house in the guest room during the first Covid lockdown in March 2020. I just went for it. #noragrets

One thing that I believe sets me apart from others is my drive. I don’t give up and I strive to really be intentional with my actions in showing others that they are seen, loved, and cared for in every area. My non-profit lines up with that goal. Sometimes all someone needs is to know that someone sees them. 🙂

If I could, I want the WORLD to know that there is hope. Even if that hope is just a small act of kindness, someone paying for your meal, or receiving new clothes for your son, I want others to see Jeremiah 1:5’s goal. We want to remind people that they have a purpose and to have hope! I can say this with confidence because I have been there. At certain points in my life, I thought I couldn’t see any hope, but I realized I could see it in the person paying for my coffee in the Starbucks drive through and a stranger complimenting my smile. That’s my story, and it’s only the beginning of an awesome chapter of my career and I can’t wait to see what is in store!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Even though I have been in Texas for 11 years, I’m still learning about all the legit spots in Texas! There’s so much to see and do! I do love going downtown to The Stockyards and really getting the full  “Texas experience!” Dallas always has something to explore. There’s never a dull moment here in the DFW area.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to Jesus, my loving and silly family, my therapist, and the real ones that have supported me through it all. I’m thankful for the difficult times I have experienced since they have led me to where I am today. I fought hard to be where I am today, and I couldn’t of been this strong without the people listed above. They have all contributed to my story and growth one way or another. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Website: https://www.jeremiahonefive.com

Instagram: @jeremiahonefive

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jeremiahonefive

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremiahonefiveorg

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