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Kate Houlihan

GSD&M

part of a series on Ember (em·ber) | Ember

About the speaker

Kate Houlihan is a due diligence expert and strategist with 20 years navigating the intersection of business and the arts. After earning an MBA from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, she spent her career managing investment portfolios, developing assets, and consulting with mission-driven businesses.

Kate also reviews grants for The Mockingbird Foundation, which funds at-risk youth music education programs. She joined Purple Bee during the studio's pandemic-era livestream series and continues to collaborate creatively with the team, both on and off camera.

Most recently, Kate worked with a group of local dancers to help fund their expenses for performing at Burning Man in 2025—a project that brought together everything she knows about strategy, creativity, and resourcefulness.

Did we mention she's also a fire artist? 🔥🧑‍🩰👀

Local partners

Additional details

Parking The parking is free and easy at GSD&M — there’s a lot on the side of the building, just across Wood Street — where you can park. You do not need to pay and you do not need a parking pass.

Entrance The building is a locked building. If you arrive before the show starts, please use GSD&M’s main entrance on 6th St, where we’ll do check-in. If you arrive after 8:25, we’ll have a greeter at the side door (closer to Wood Street) to let you in.