Alumni Spotlight: Kate Allen (’10)
Kate Allen (’10) is a woman with creativity, determination, and big ideas on how to use her talents to positively impact the world.
Currently enrolled in the Master of Health Administration program at USC, Kate is passionate about healthcare! She founded the non-profit Norkova Health in 2019 after realizing how under-appreciated and ignored mental health is in the US. In fact, the organization is named after her dear friend Tereza Norkova, who passed away from suicide. After that, Kate knew she had to do something to help the mental health problem in the US.
Essentially, Norkova is crowdfunding for healthcare. They add $0.10 – $0.20 good-will donations onto a multitude of goods like shampoo, granola bars, band-aids,
Norkova Health was founded by Kate Allen, MCS Class of 2010 Alumna
etc. to create a massive healthcare fund. Their focus is on mental health, and they fund services for COVID-19 relief and at-risk children and young-adults. Norkova is built on the idea that “small impacts by the masses create massive change.”
The cause is in its infancy stages, but Norkova has big plans to partner with companies around the globe. Currently, due to the quarantine, revenue is coming from customizable COVID-19 mask sales. They are on the RedCrow crowdinvesting website, gaining some publicity, and counting on more industry professionals to weigh in on the platform.
To find out more about Kate’s venture, visit Norkova Health – Crowdfunding for Healthcare
Or to purchase masks of any color, any size, any logo – contact Kate Allen at kateallen100@yahoo.com
- Published in Alumni
Jack Somers, Class of 2015
Hey, Jack Somers here! So much has happened since I graduated MCS; here are some highlights!
I started my freshman year of college in the fall of 2019! I am currently pursuing a degree in architecture and a minor in business at the University of Utah. Salt Lake City is the perfect place for me. There is an incredible amount of things to see and do within close proximity of the university: skiing in the Cottonwood Canyons, exploring the city, hiking in Park City to name a few of my favorite activities.
I launched a small startup called Bluepixel in June of 2019! I do graphic design work for clients who are either launching or rebranding their businesses. Web and UI design, logo design, product shoots, and brand development are the primary services I offer to my clients!
But most importantly, I have rediscovered the unending love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness Christ shows me on a daily basis. Part of the reason why I chose to go to school in Utah is because of the natural surroundings. I find His presence more eminent in the mountains than anywhere else I have been. I am so grateful for my relationship with God for where it is at right now, despite its ups and downs.
- Published in Alumni
Kennedy Smith-Kutyla, Class of 2012
USC Student
Kennedy recently graduated from Orange Lutheran High School and is now studying Film and Television at USC.
She pursued her passion of film throughout high school, and was recognized as a 2016 nominee in Orange County Register’s Artist of the Year in film. This was written about her:
“Kennedy has a unique and edgy way of making documentaries. She is able to capture the attention of her audience by using contemporary techniques in video and combining cutting-edge music, which gives her films an exciting edge.”
- Published in Alumni
Emily (Parsons) Pennington, Class of 2002
Newly married
Emily and her husband Spencer welcomed their daughter Elizabeth “Ellie” Jane in April 2019.
After earning a Masters in College Counseling and working for a few different colleges as well as University High School, Emily is taking a step back to spend more time at home with Ellie while continuing to pursue a few things on the side. She’s happy to help any MCS alumni who are in need of college/career counseling, wedding planning/coordinating, or graphic design!
- Published in Alumni
Dane Robie, Class of 2000
Instructor Pilot, VT-28 “The Rangers,” United States Navy
Dane is now an instructor pilot in VT-28 “The Rangers,” flying the T-6B Texan II, and he loves every minute of it!
His group is the first stop for student naval aviators aspiring to earn their wings of gold. His squadron is located in Corpus Christi, TX. Dane just received orders to be a shooter on CVN 72 the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is a Nimitz class carrier. This will be a great leadership opportunity leading young sailors and being in charge of flight operations on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. He and his wife Lindsay have recently celebrated having a baby girl – congratulations!
- Published in Alumni