Born in Rochester, New York in 1865, Catherine Anselm Gleason, better known as Kate Gleason, defied societal norms and carved her path as a successful businesswoman, engineer, and philanthropist. Her life and achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring engineers, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to make an impact on their community.
Early Life and Family Influence:
Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the engineering field, young Kate was surrounded by innovation and industry. Her father, William Gleason, was the founder of Gleason Works, a renowned machine tool company in Rochester. Witnessing her father's dedication and the inner workings of the company instilled in Kate a passion for engineering and a strong work ethic.
Breaking Barriers in the Male-Dominated Field:
At a time when women were rarely seen in engineering, Kate challenged the status quo. Despite facing societal resistance, she secured her father's permission to begin working at Gleason Works at the young age of 12. Starting as a bookkeeper, she quickly absorbed the company's operations and gained valuable experience in various departments.
Rise to Prominence at Gleason Works:
Kate's intelligence, dedication, and strategic thinking propelled her through the ranks of Gleason Works. She played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success, contributing significantly to its expansion both domestically and internationally. Recognizing her contributions, Kate's father appointed her a company director in 1903, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the industry.
Beyond Gleason Works: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Leadership:
While Kate's impact at Gleason Works was undeniable, her contributions extended far beyond the company walls. After leaving the company in 1913, she continued to exhibit her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. She served as president of the First National Bank of East Rochester during World War I, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in the state.
A Passion for Community Development:
Kate's commitment to her community was unwavering. She actively addressed the housing shortage faced by working-class families in East Rochester by pioneering a unique and innovative housing development project. This initiative, known as "Gleason Village," provided affordable and well-constructed homes for countless families, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
A Legacy of Inspiration:
Kate Gleason's life story embodies the power of perseverance, determination, and a genuine desire to contribute to society. She shattered glass ceilings in the engineering world, championed women's rights, and left an enduring legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and community development. Today, her name continues to be recognized in Rochester through the Kate Gleason College of Engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, a testament to her lasting influence and inspiration.
If you haven't checked out my PennyWise Financial Podcast, watch a clip featuring a guest Dave Young, CPA, and owner of Young & Company CPAs, LLP here in Rochester, NY. Dave takes taxes seriously and knows what it takes to get things done. We chat about a variety of topics in this episode and he has a great delivery of the information. This guy enjoys handling the biggest of messes and more complex tax and business planning. If you have a straightforward return with a simple W-2, he may not be the right fit for you. Dave is passionate about a lot of things in life and taxes happens to be one of them.
Guest Website: https://youngandcompany.net/
Scroll down a little past the clip to watch the entire episode. It's available on all major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
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