Sausalito resident Katie Schou is the executive director of the Send It Foundation. For Schou, the foundation has a particularly special meaning. “My older brother founded the Send It Foundation,” she says. “He was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 35. An avid skier and outdoorsman, he had a vision to bring the activities that brought him strength and life during his fight for life to other young adults in the cancer fight. He founded Send It in the last year of his life. When he passed away, I left my job and took on the foundation to bring his vision to life.”
Katie Schou graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., with a major in business and a minor in Spanish. Before starting work full-time at the Send It Foundation Schou worked in management consulting for a boutique firm in San Francisco. Prior to that, she worked for a small ski apparel brand in Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Are you a North Bay native? Where did you grow up?
Yes, I grew up in Mill Valley! My family is still here in Marin.
How long have you been in business?
Two years.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Play outside! I love to ski, mountain bike and trail run. I also love quiet days at home, or bike riding around town. I spend a lot of time with my family.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is bringing Jamie’s vision for Send It to life, and the impact it has had on so many. I’m proud of the community that we have created through Send It, and what it provides to young adults who need it.
What do you consider your best quality?
I have an ability to connect with other people, bring them together and create community. I’m also good listener with intuition and insight, which is a good fit for my line of work.
What bad habit do you wish you could break?
Checking my phone first thing in the morning—it’s a terrible habit. They say that successful people sleep with their phone in the other room, but I haven’t gotten there yet.
Are you a person who has a lot of acquaintances, or a few close friends?
Both. I have a few really close friends, but I live in a tight-knit community with lots of acquaintances.
What goals have you recently set for yourself?
Better work life balance, and setting aside more time for myself. This can be difficult in a new venture, and working independently from home, but I’m doing great so far! Maybe even too much—it’s been such a good winter in Tahoe, I’ve ducked out of the office quite a bit to take advantage of the powder days.
What fear would you like to overcome?
My fear of regret. Being present, and accepting and embracing what is, is something that I strive for. I hope to let go of the things I should have done, and love what I have done and am doing.
What’s the worst weather situation you’ve ever been in?
When a storm rolled in while I was climbing the Middle Teton, in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Nothing like black clouds, thunder and lightening to rattle you, while you’re on climbing a granite rock wall.
What books on your shelf are begging to be read?
Currently on my nightstand, waiting to be read are Born a Crime by Trevor Noah and Moonglow by Michael Chabon.
Who’s the most famous person you have ever met? What famous person would you like to meet?
I haven’t met many celebrities in my life—mostly big mountain skiers who are famous in my community, like Daron Rahlves and Jeremy Jones. I have a running list of people I’d like to have over for a dinner party. Amy Schumer is at the top right now. I think she’s hilarious and brilliant, and that we could be great friends. Just yesterday, a friend told me he was listening to an interview with Amy Schumer and said she reminded him of me because of her humor and intelligence. That was pretty sweet.
