Kate Belden is the Director of Development for KIPP Public Schools Northern California, where she is honored to advance educational equity for students and families across the Bay Area and Stockton.

In 2017, Kate partnered with families and community members in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park to found KIPP Valiant Community Prep, a TK–8 public charter school. Guided by a vision co-created with families, the school prepares students academically, socially, and emotionally for success in college and in life while empowering them to become passionate, innovative changemakers who use their unique voices to build a more equitable world.

Kate began her KIPP journey in 2007 as a founding 9th grade English teacher at KIPP King Collegiate High School. Over the next nine years, she served in a variety of leadership roles, including Grade Level Chair, English Department Chair, Dean of Curriculum, founder of Student Government, Assistant Principal of Student Support, and, for four years, Principal.

Before joining KIPP, Kate taught 6th–8th grade English as a Teach For America Corps Member in Washington Heights, New York City.