AAUW Grant Recipient Kate McKinney Inspires Future Mathematicians

Kate McKinney was recently honored as the recipient of the 2025-26 American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grant. Speaking at a joint meeting of the AAUW branches from Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon, and Turlock, Modesto on February 21, 2025, McKinney shared her unique journey from a decade-long career in arts administration to her current pursuit of a Master of Arts in Mathematics at San Francisco State University.

McKinney, who holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the University of South Carolina, initially envisioned a future in the arts. Despite her passion for mathematics, she embarked on a professional path in arts leadership. Her career began as the Associate Director and Producer for a classical music show at South Carolina Public Radio. From there, she moved to West Edge Opera in Berkeley, California, in November 2016, before transitioning to the San Francisco Symphony and later the San Francisco Ballet, where she worked for six years.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic reignited McKinney’s passion for mathematics. Reflecting on her long-held love for algebra, she decided to pursue a new direction, asking herself, “if not now, when?” While balancing her full-time job at the San Francisco Ballet, she re-taught herself algebra and pre-calculus before enrolling at City College of San Francisco. Her commitment to mathematics culminated in her enrollment in the Master’s program at San Francisco State University in 2025.

During her speech, McKinney expressed her admiration for the AAUW’s mission, which emphasizes promoting higher education for women and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. She discovered the AAUW while seeking grants to support her studies, and the Career Development Grant has significantly impacted her financial situation. “It covers my tuition and allows me to choose jobs that align with my interests rather than those I need to take for financial reasons,” she noted.

Looking ahead, McKinney remains open to various professional pathways after obtaining her master’s degree. She indicated a strong inclination toward teaching mathematics, likely at the community college or advanced high school levels. Moreover, she aims to incorporate her commitment to mentorship, particularly for women and underprivileged individuals, into her future endeavors.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) is dedicated to advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. With over 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, the organization comprises more than 1,000 local branches and over 800 college and university affiliates. More information can be found at www.aauw.org.

For those interested in the Oakdale, Riverbank, and Escalon branches, further details can be accessed at http://ore-ca.aauw.net, while the Turlock and Modesto branch information is available at https://turlock-ca.aauw.net. Membership in AAUW is open to graduates holding an associate degree or higher from institutions recognized by AAUW.