women of achievement

Kathi Wiley Gladson

When asked to describe herself, Kathi Wiley Gladson humbly depicts the image of “a very average woman…I am everywoman. The fact that I am being honored means that anyone could be recognized if they follow their passion.”

Born at Portland’s Emmanuel Hospital to Grant and Laurel Wiley, Kathi loves “the Vancouver community, its unity and the caring individuals within it.” Kathi credits her parents for “weaving exceptional morals of acceptance and equality” into her young life. Living by the example of her parents, Kathi quietly volunteered in a variety of roles, noting, “Giving was part of the fabric of our home.” Serving punch for the Volunteers of America when she was four and serving meals at age nine for the Salvation Army, Kathi’s giving and caring spirit began to form at an early age.

It was the premature death of her father 10 years ago that inspired her to rethink the direction of her life. With tears in her eyes, she says, “Life here on earth is very brief, we need to be focused on what we’re here to do.” It was this realization, coupled with her desire to honor her father and her spiritual convictions, which inspired Kathi to leave her job as an exercise and fitness professional to pursue what she calls “the most rewarding work.” Working with children is Kathi’s passion – her love for children is unconditional.

Six years ago, Kathi began to express her love for children by volunteering with the “I Have a Dream” program of Southwest Washington. The “I Have a Dream” program helps children from low-income areas reach their educational and career goals by providing a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring, and enrichment with an assured opportunity for higher education. Whether it’s serving as a sponsor, volunteer or mentor, Kathi generously contributes her time and resources to the children in this program – the “Dreamers.” However, as her nominator noted, “It is her hands-on work with children that brings her the most satisfaction.” Kathi extends herself beyond her sponsorship role, finding time for a lunch buddy, mentoring students of all ages, volunteering at numerous events, participating in field trips, attending college visitations and teaching in the “I Have a Dream” summer enrichment program. “It is a privilege to establish relationships with the ‘Dreamers,’ a privilege of trust,” says Kathi.

In addition to her work with the “Dreamers,” Kathi energetically shares her talents with the YWCA “Strong Women” program on a bi-weekly basis. “Strong Women” is an exercise class for staff offering health information, nutritional tips and strategies to bring exercise and fitness into daily life. Not only does Kathi generously donate her time to the YWCA, she creatively challenges every woman in the class to match her class time each year.

For 25 years, Kathi has enriched the Vancouver community with her exercise and fitness expertise. She has a bachelor of science in exercise science from Portland State University and has held a variety of positions within the athletic realm, including work at Vancouver’s Club Green Meadows, Vancouver’s Lakeshore Athletic Club and the Multnomah Athletic Club.

Last October, Kathi sponsored two tables at the YWCA’s Annual Benefit Luncheon and arranged for the “I Have a Dream” students to join her as guests. The keynote speaker was Victor Rivas Rivers, actor and national spokesperson for the National Network to End Domestic Violence. Rivers emphasized that domestic violence is not just a women’s issue. It affects everyone involved, he said, stressing those affected can, with help and support, heal and have productive lives. Before exposing her young guests to this serious and delicate discussion, Kathi ensured that the students had some knowledge about the issue. She also worked with a practicing mental health professional to debrief with the children after the luncheon. Victor Rivas Rivers joined in for the discussion and arrangements were made for the students to be photographed with him.

Humbly, Kathi credits her work to her family, friends and co-volunteers. Kathi particularly credits her husband’s blind faith and unconditional support. “Without their full support, I could not do what I do,” she says.

Impacting one life at a time, establishing one relationship at a time, Woman of Achievement Kathi Wiley Gladson is committed to following her passion – making a difference in the community and in the lives of children.