Catherine Gray: Leading with The White House Project

Catherine excels as a leader and motivational speaker, always drawing from her rich and varied life as an entrepreneur and innovator, and as an artist and athlete.

In 1998, Catherine attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design, which was a dramatic change after 18 years as an entrepreneur and a business owner in Houston. A screenwriter and filmmaker, Catherine has been the recipient of several awards, including The Barry Morrow Screenwriting Fellowship in 2000 and Jerome Media Arts Grant in 2004. She is an active member of the Screenwriters’ Workshop, Independent Feature Project, Women in Film and Television, and she serves on the board of TVbyGIRLS. Her other honors include being the recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in 2010.

Q: What is your passion or purpose you are being called to bring into action right now?

A: Helping women overcome internal and external barriers to getting seats at the tables of influence and power. Help women move from a position of doer to a position of leader.

Q: What were the motivating factors or defining moments that inspired you to get involved and share your passion?

A: In 2005 I heard Marie C Wilson speak. She was Founder and President of The White House Project. Her call to action to the women in the audience was simple- Our world needs you to lead. I realized that being a leader and also cultivating other women to lead had been my life’s work – through my years during pre-title IX sports, and as an entrepreneur, and as a filmmaker.

Meeting Marie ultimately led to a position on the staff of The White House Project. It’s been a dream job that has offered me a platform to preach and teach, and a stretch the boundries of my own leadership.

Q: What is your mantra or favorite quote you refer to when you seek inspiration or hope and why?

A: I always ask myself, “Are you acting out of love or fear?” If the answer is fear, I adjust my course toward love. If the answer is love, I enjoy the ride.

Q: Tell us about a moment recently when you were standing in your full power and purpose?

A: When I am in front of the room, leading a training or workshop, I am just about always in flow. And when I am in flow, I am standing in my full power. And it’s an absolute blast!

Q: Why is the work you are doing so important for everyday women?

A: Everyday women get very busy being everyday women. And my work invites them to pause, reflect, refuel and propel toward a leadership role that often has been laying dormant in a deep desire to serve the greater good of a community. My work ignites or re-ignites the desire and/or willingness to strategically move toward being in a position of leadership.

Q: Why is it so important for women to participate in an event like the Passion into Action Conference?

A: PIA Conferences offer inspiration (food for the soul), practical tools (food for the mind) and a network (food for the journey) to any woman who wants to live with intention and purpose.

Q: What are you hoping will be the biggest take-aways for women both at the Passion into Action Conference and your workshop?

A: Workshop 1 – WHP Intensive – Women will recognize the value of their life experiences and begin using their stories more effectively in order connect with others and move people to action.

Workshop 2 – Mentors/Sponsors – Women will leave with a clear idea about a personal goal, and who to ask for help/mentorship or sponsorship, and how to make it a great relationship that serves both people.

Q: What is your message to women around the world?

A: Your life experiences make you more equipped for leadership than you think. If you want to get something done, you’ll get more done faster if you are working from a seat at the table instead of working from the foot of the table. We need you at the table!

Click Here to Read The White House Project Workshop Description