Kathy Zarate is a Director with MAYA Consulting and brings 15 years of experience working in the nonprofit and government sectors. Kathy is a first-generation college graduate and is dedicated to supporting postsecondary success for students.
Most recently, Kathy served as the Senior Fellows Coordinator with Texas OnCourse, a college and career preparedness initiative housed at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB). Kathy managed a fellowship for secondary counselors & educators to promote college and career initiatives in Texas to ensure that all students graduate high school prepared for postsecondary success.
Prior to joining Texas OnCourse, Kathy served as a developmental education program specialist at THECB and managed a college readiness program for four years at Austin Partners in Education.
Kathy holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University along with a master’s degree in public administration and a juris doctor degree from St. Mary’s University. After completing her graduate studies, Kathy was selected for the Government of District of Columbia’s Capital City Fellows program, where she served in different district agencies such as the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Education before managing partnerships programs at the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Outside of work, Kathy enjoys escape rooms, board games, and video games as well as quality time with her family.