Kate Ray joined the Heising-Simons Foundation in 2024 as a program associate supporting the Education team. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kate worked for the Rogers Family Foundation in the final years leading up to the spenddown of its Oakland Education Strategy. There she gained experience supporting grantmaking and administrative operations, serving as a program officer for select grantee partners, co-designing and launching a communications strategy, and providing tailored technical assistance to grantees. Kate is passionate about trust-based philanthropy, supporting grantees beyond the grant, and ensuring young people have educational experiences that empower them to thrive.

Kate received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies (4-8 Science Education) from the University of North Texas, and her master’s degree in higher education leadership from Texas Christian University.