By: Gabby Tompkins
The La Porte community is filled with influential women who strive to lead by example. Their passion, drive, and expertise leave a lasting impact wherever they go and whomever they come in contact with. Katy Gartland was nominated as one of these women.
Leadership has been a major part of Gartland’s life. She leads by example, encourages others, and lets others’ talents shine by supporting them in their efforts. She believes this comes from her confidence to keep trying at things.
“In middle school, I tried out for cheerleading for three years and never made the team; however, I did make the team in high school, and by senior, year I was leading as Captain,” Gartland said.
Gartland finds a positive impact in giving to others whether it’s something financial, knowledge, or an experience.
Gartland is trusted in many positions of leadership. Her optimistic attitude that she spreads to others is helpful in these positions. She organizes community events and is President of La Porte Little Theatre.
Gartland was first introduced to theatre when she was 12. She recalls her neighbor asking her parents to get her and her siblings involved in theatre. After this, she and they started helping backstage and performing.
“By performing, you gain self-confidence, become part of a bigger goal, and earn trust with others on the stage,” Gartland said. Theatre has been a life-changing experience in Gartland’s life. The lessons she has learned from it have been helpful in life situations, leadership positions, and becoming a good parent.
Theatre is also a way that Gartland connects with her family. Both of her daughters have been in shows, and she has been in shows along with them and her other family.
“The most fun was performing in Harvey. My mom was the lead, and I played her daughter. I knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime happening, and I love those memories with her,” Gartland said.
Gartland also sees musicals with her family. They have season tickets to multiple performing arts centers. She and her family also go to New York three to four times a year to see shows there.
Gartland has also had a successful nursing career. She first became interested in nursing when a nurse from Valparaiso University came to her class in high school to discuss going into nursing.
“I remember the moment it struck me. ‘You mean, I could get my nursing degree and always have a job no matter where I live?’ I saw endless possibility,” Gartland said.
Gartland then earned her bachelor’s degree at Valparaiso University, and she went to Indiana University for her Master’s degree in Public Health.
Since then, she has worked in a hospital, started a wellness clinic in Bloomington, sold pharmaceuticals, and tried school nursing. Her favorite was working in a hospital.
Gartland’s biggest woman influence has always been Princess Diana. Gartland finds that Diana always feels good when she does little things for others.
“I have always been inspired by Princess Diana. One thing I remember she always did was write personal thank you notes. I feel when I do little things for others, I pray. I pray for that person and hope that whatever I am able to share brings them joy. I love tea parties and would love Princess Diana’s spirit to join in on a party soon!” Gartland said.
Gartland’s biggest piece of advice for young girls is that it’s okay not to have things figured out. She encourages young girls to follow their own path.
“Life will take you on different twists and turns and offer you opportunities you can’t even fathom. Take the opportunity, look up to the leaders who are awesome, and learn from them the pearls that you can use to become better. The not-so-awesome leaders, learn from them how you do not want to lead. There is so much to learn in life,” Gartland said.
In her free time, Gartland likes to listen to audiobooks and spend time with her dog, Basil. Gartland also sews, embroiders, screen prints, paints, makes cards, mugs, and other fun things.
Gartland loves living in La Porte, and the way that she emits her positive energy and gives to people in her community it’s apparent. She has certainly impacted many people in this community and she will undoubtedly impact more.