Catherine Holt: A Champion for DEI, Resilience, and Women’s Leadership

Catherine Holt has dedicated her life to creating a world where equity, belonging, and women’s leadership are not aspirations but realities. With over 35 years of experience spanning political, advocacy, and global policy initiatives, Catherine—known affectionately as Cathy—has worked tirelessly to empower women as agents of transformation, advocate for marginalized communities, and challenge systemic inequities.

A Life Shaped by Advocacy and Resilience

Cathy’s journey began at a time when advocating for women’s empowerment was both unconventional and fraught with challenges. From navigating the biases of the 1970s to chairing Planned Parenthood in the 1990s, where she faced threats and hostility, Cathy’s unwavering commitment to fairness and justice defined her path. Her early experiences as a feminist shaped her belief in living with integrity and using her privileges to uplift others.

In 2003, her advocacy took on a deeply personal dimension. When her 18-year-old daughter suffered a debilitating stroke, Cathy became a fierce advocate for equitable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Balancing her daughter’s recovery, personal grief, and professional challenges, Cathy embodied resilience, transforming adversity into a catalyst for change. “I had to fight for her and for us,” she recalls. “I had to do it alone, but I learned that strength comes from staying true to your values.”

Building Communities of Belonging

Recognizing the intersectionality of barriers to advancement, Cathy co-founded DEI Consultants, LLC in 2018 with a focus on dismantling systemic inequities. Partnering with an African American Vietnam veteran specializing in race, culture, and reconciliation, she crafted innovative approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Together, they blend their unique perspectives to address cultural, organizational, and systemic challenges.

From boardrooms to local communities, Cathy’s work emphasizes fostering environments where diverse voices can thrive. “True leadership,” she asserts, “is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued and can contribute their unique strengths.”

Mentoring Women to Lead Boldly

Cathy’s passion for empowering women transcends her professional work. As a former adjunct professor of Women and Gender Studies and a certified trainer in bystander-to-upstander programs, she equips women with the tools to confront inequities and lead with authenticity. Whether mentoring grassroots activists or coaching emerging leaders, Cathy inspires women to embrace their strengths, amplify their voices, and step into their power.

One of Cathy’s dreams is to cultivate a global movement of women leaders. “Their approach to leadership—centered on empathy, collaboration, and fairness—is what the world needs now more than ever,” she says. Through her forthcoming book on women’s leadership, she seeks to further this mission, empowering women to navigate challenges and lead transformative change.

Living with Integrity and Purpose

For Cathy, values are at the heart of every decision. Guided by principles of honesty, respect, and authenticity, she believes in honoring each person’s humanity. Her philosophy of fostering growth through self-reflection and critical thinking has been the foundation of her work. “Every voice matters,” Cathy emphasizes. “By embracing lived experiences without judgment, we can create a more inclusive, equitable future.”

Despite facing setbacks—personal and professional—Cathy views failure as an opportunity for growth. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s wisdom and Michael Jordan’s famous quote about persistence, she sees resilience as the hallmark of leadership. “It’s about getting back up, dusting yourself off, and moving forward,” she says.

A Vision for the Future

As Cathy continues to speak, write, and advocate, her vision remains clear: a world where women lead boldly, communities foster belonging, and barriers to equity are dismantled. “I will not be silenced,” she declares. “My purpose is to create spaces for marginalized voices to participate fully in the world.”

Through DEI Consultants and her personal advocacy, Cathy is not just leading change—she’s building a legacy. Her work inspires others to embrace their values, rise to challenges, and lead with authenticity and courage.

To learn more about Catherine Holt’s work or connect with her, visit Catherine-Holt.com.

Grab Cathy’s Free Leadership Reflection Guide here.

About Catherine Holt:

Cathy Holt is an elite International speaker and author promoting women as change agents. For more than 35 years she has worked energetically for gender equality and center-staging women in leadership and decision-making roles. She has mentored grassroots and community-based women throughout the globe to awaken their inner leader, speak their truth and transform themselves and their communities. Whether she is speaking at UN meetings, teaching courses on women and gender studies, advocating for women’s issues in the political arena, or connecting with women, she passionately shares her experiences, skills, and strategies of navigating the challenges of leading as women.

Connect with Cathy:

Contact: cathy@catherine-holt.com
Website: Catherine-Holt.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-holt-hts
Facebook: www.facebook.com/catherine.holt.56/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathyhts/

Website: deiconsultants.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063537702470