Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cate moved to Arlington, Virginia to pursue a B.A. in Graphic Design. Graduating
cum laude, she remained in Virginia, using her talents to help further the goals of national associations and not-for-profit organizations. Past experience includes publication design, web design, public relations, and meeting and event planning for the disabled community.

In 2004, her volunteer experience with the American Red Cross Arlington Chapter Disaster Action Team (DAT) and the City of Alexandria Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) led her in a new direction … assisting those impacted by natural and man-made disasters in the U.S. She now works as a Disaster Assistance Employee with DHS/FEMA, Region V. She is also a licensed amateur radio operator (KI4KSU), studies Middle Eastern dance, and plans to pursue an EMT-B license.