What motivates you to keep digging within yourself when times get tough? Why take on a challenge if you know there might be roadblocks? How did KIPP Nashville create the kind of supportive environment to help you succeed and chase your dreams?
Listen to Katherine’s story here:
These are just a few of the questions two members of KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School’s Class of 2018 answered during a special live podcast recording this summer at an Emerging Leaders for KIPP event. Local author and speaker, CJ Casciotta, sat down with Katherine Ledezma-Soto and William Swanson before they began their freshman year in college – Katherine at Rhodes College and William at Fisk University.
Listen to William’s story here:
“There’s literally no obstacle but myself, so why do I have to be my one obstacle?” – Katherine


Before the evening ended, Katherine and William had already hatched plans to start a non-profit together, focusing on helping non-KIPP high school students through the college application process!
Katherine plans to major in political science and education at Rhodes College.
William is interested in majoring in business and pursing a minor in psychology and music at Fisk University, where has a full scholarship.