​Beginning Monday, August 2, 2021, Kate Szambecki will join Anabaptist Disabilities Network as the new Resource Director. Kate is currently a student at Eastern Mennonite University and will graduate in the spring with bachelor’s degrees in English and Writing Studies with a minor in Digital Communications. She currently lives in Harrisonburg, VA but grew up in Newton, KS, where she attended Shalom Mennonite Church.

Kate has spent the last several years writing in both journalistic and social media contexts as well as managing multiple professional social media accounts and/or blogs. She has fostered skills in writing and content creation, web design, outreach and communication, and project management. She has a passion for storytelling and connecting with others. Additionally, she has worked consistently with underserved youth, something that helped spark her interest in advocacy.

“I am passionate about advocating for issues surrounding disability and mental illness, as well as simply building relationships,” Szambecki said. “I could not be more excited to start this position and connect people with resources and each other.” Kate hopes to work toward a more accessible church for all.

Kate will be responsible for ADN’s social media, blog, and newsletter, as well as strengthening  ADN’s network of churches, advocates, and disability resources.