Katrina Weinhold | Philanthropist |
Katrina Weinhold | Philanthropist |
Philanthropy Experiences & Stories
What drives Katrina’s philanthropic efforts?
Katrina has a deep passion for philanthropy, rooted in her own life experiences. Growing up, her family received support from various organizations, churches, and community groups during times of need. Those acts of kindness left a lasting impression on her, instilling a strong belief in the power of generosity and the importance of giving back.
For Katrina, philanthropy is more than just a charitable act—it is a way to honor the help her family once received and ensure that others facing similar challenges find the same support and opportunities. She sees it as a responsibility and a privilege to contribute to meaningful causes, whether through volunteer work, community engagement, or strategic initiatives that drive positive change.
By dedicating her time and efforts to philanthropy, Katrina is not only paying back the kindness shown to her family but also paying it forward. She believes in creating a ripple effect of generosity, fostering stronger, more compassionate communities, and making a lasting impact on those in need.
Below you will be able to see a bit of Katrina’s Philanthropic efforts throughout the recent years:
As a Local Marketing & Brand Engagement Coordinator for Designer Brands Inc, Katrina created and implemented community-based brand activation strategies to increase customer loyalty for DSW- Designer Shoe Warehouse Stores in the DMV Area. She had much success by targeting and providing discounts to local non-profit and philanthropic organizations in the DMV. These efforts helped many people within the community afford footwear. Below are a few organizations that Katrina grew connections with to provide extra support to our community:
Souls4Soles x Designer Brands Inc - Trip to Honduras
During her career with Designer Brands, Katrina and 12 other employees from around the world were chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity with Soles4Souls. They were chosen for a volunteer experience in Honduras with Soles4Souls personnel in April 2024. Here, the volunteers traveled all over Honduras distributing shoes to children in need. Looking past the day-to day efforts of shoe donating in America, they were able to participate in the end results of why these efforts are so important.
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse x Urban Hunger Project - Feed the Baltimore Homeless
In partnership with the Urban Hunger Project, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse employees came together to make a meaningful impact on the Baltimore community. As volunteers, we dedicated our time to preparing and distributing meals to those in need, ensuring that Baltimore’s homeless population received nourishment and support. This initiative reflected DSW’s commitment to giving back and fostering positive change beyond the retail space. Through teamwork and compassion, we not only provided food but also shared moments of kindness and connection with those facing hardship. It was an inspiring experience that reinforced the power of community and the importance of collective action in the fight against hunger.
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse x Cradles to Crayons
Katrina and her Designer Brands Inc colleagues traveled to Philadelphia, PA for to volunteer with Cradles to Crayons in 2022. Here the volunteers created cards for all the children this organization helps, sorted clothing for children of all ages and sizes, and created outfit packs for the kids to pick out. Volunteers were also encouraged to bring in donations of their own for the children!
Phi Alpha Mu x House of Ruth MD
Katrina had affiliations with the House of Ruth since she was young, due to her unfortunate upbringing in a domestic abused household. When she became interested in greek life at McDaniel College, she joined the sorority Phi Alpha Mu due to their main Philanthropy being House of Ruth- an organization close to her heart.
As a Phi Alpha Mu member, Katrina participated in the annual Race for Her 5k which the sorority organized to raise funds the organization. She also created an annual ribbon awareness drive where students and faculty of McDaniel College would purchase a purple ribbon pin for $1 and wear through campus during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Lastly, the sorority organized a goodie bag drive for women and children who enter the Maryland location shelter which included toiletries and necessities.
Katrina’s efforts did not stop after college, in her professional work- Katrina collected women’s shoes, clothing, and accessories, as well as children’s shoes, clothes, accessories, and toys to donate to the House of Ruth on a yearly basis.
McDaniel Greek Life x Project Welcome Home Troops
