About Kate Doerge

Kate Doerge is a motivational speaker, author, non-profit founder, and brand strategist. Her mission is to inspire others to live with joy, connect powerfully, and lead with purpose. Kate is the Co-Founder of the nonprofit Penny’s Flight Foundation. She is the author of a new book on navigating grief and life’s challenges with love, connection and positivity that will be published June 3rd, 2026. Her TEDx talk: “How to Find Your Purpose” will be released Summer 2025.

A strategist for top brands and Operating Partner at Traub, Kate is known for her expertise on communication strategy, partnerships, rebrands, transformation, and mission-inspired initiatives. Current and former clients include L’Oréal, H&M, Kate Spade, Value Retail- The Bicester Collection, Tag Heuer, and Oscar de la Renta. 

A motivational speaker, Kate gives talks at corporations, schools, and conferences on a range of topics including conquering challenges, finding your purpose, new approaches to grief and loss, career changes, midlife changes and mental health. Talks include Post Traumatic Growth, 5 Actions Through Grief, How to Shine Your Light, Creating a Purpose-Driven Brand and more. 

A non-profit founder, and transformational board member, Kate is leader for purpose-led initiatives. With her husband Chad Doerge, Kate launched Penny’s Flight Foundation in honor of her daughter Penny who passed away from Neurofibromatosis complications in 2022. The Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and funding research for Neurofibromatosis. There are over 100 Penny’s Flight chapters at high schools and colleges across the country dedicated to inspiring young people to make an impact at any age. 

Kate is the Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Hospital for Special Surgery. She is a member of the Board of Trustees and the HSS Pediatric Council. For almost two decades, Kate has Co-Chaired HSS’ largest and most successful fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavilion, raising more than $27 million. Kate is a Board Member and strategic advisor for the Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy (PDAA) at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The Academy organizes adaptive programs for kids and teens facing a range of disabilities.