RTDM: Katie Montie
Katie Montie
ADA Coordinator, UNC Charlotte
Huntersville, North Carolina
We want to get to know you! Briefly tell us about yourself: Where you came from, where you've been and how you're living your dream?
I'm a social worker who loves helping others, and I have a passion for under served populations, particularly people with disabilities. After years of working in healthcare, I discovered higher education and have been working at UNC Charlotte for over 12 years. I'm definitely an extroverted, people person, so I was surprised four years ago when I realized I have a passion for education and compliance on a macro level, working with groups and systems. I love getting people out of their "silos" and cultivating collaboration to improve our campus.
How do you define success?
My definition of success is helping people help themselves. I'm very fulfilled by helping others solve problems.
What did it take to make your dream happen and how do you make it sustainable?
I've worked hard to foster relationships and trust across my campus, to spread my mission of equal access for everyone. I've learned that others will respect me and continue to seek my expertise if I can convince them why access matters, rather than wield the "legal bat" of compliance. I love seeing the light bulb go on above their head when they truly "get it"!
What are you most proud of? Go ahead, boast a little!
I'm very skilled with relationships, of all kinds! I'm able to relate to a wide variety of people with lots of different backgrounds, and can establish trust easily.
What was your biggest obstacle/fear and what was your turning point?
I struggled with feelings of inadequacy. As I've grown older, I realize that I am a significant ASSET to my organization. My perspective went from "I'm lucky to experience career success", to "Wow, these folks are lucky to have ME!"
What’s the best advice you’d give to a younger you?
"Stop trying to be everything to everybody. Don't waste time trying to make sure everyone is pleased with you. What people think about you is none of your business!" "You are always more competent than you think you are."
How do you stay motivated and purposeful when you feel overwhelmed?
Time spent with students on campus who struggle every day with access issues that most of us take for granted really energizes me to keep pushing for more equality and universal design.
Tell us a time when a perceived failure was actually a blessing in disguise or served you in a surprising way.
I was devastated several years ago when I wasn't chosen for a position that I thought I was perfect for. Hindsight is just so amazing! That position was not a good match for my strengths, and especially for my passions. I am now incredibly fulfilled in my career, and discovered skills and talents in areas I never would've imagined or encountered if I had received the other position.
What is your favorite vice/guilty pleasure/strange habit? Come on now, we all have them!
I admit I enjoy reality tv shows on Bravo when I want to turn off my brain. I also enjoy craft beer, even more so with friends and family.
What’s MOST important to you right now?
My son, my hubby, and my sweet Bernedoodle, Biscuit! Without them, the rest of my life wouldn't be as balanced and successful as it is.
What have you learned to say no to?
Toxic relationships! I've learned it's OK to walk away from negativity.
What's something surprising about you?
Jigsaw puzzles are my favorite "Zen" activity!
List the Risk Taker Dream Maker(s) that inspired you!
Joann Fernald is my mentor and has been a huge influence on my career serving people with disabilities. Many things she's dealt with in her life have inspired me.
