Kylie Fontaine

1) How would you describe yourself in 3 words? Driven, outgoing, confident.

2) What draws you to nonprofit work? The feeling of creating real impact on the world and creating positive change for people’s lives.

3) What was the last piece of art (book, music, movie, etc) that moved you, and why? A Man Named Otto. It was such a great representation of what our aging generation is and will be going through over the next couple of decades, and Tom Hanks does such a great job of inciting emotion from the viewer.

4) What was your first job, and what lesson did you take from it that you still use today? My first job was working as a sales associate at Kohls when I was 17. From that job I learned just how important people skills and relationships can be in both personal and professional environments.

5) To be successful, what’s the most important skill a professional should develop? Communication skills.

6) Who makes you laugh the hardest? My boyfriend Jared.

7) What was the worst purchase you’ve ever made? The worst purchase and decision I made was trying to use 3M strips to keep up heavy frames. Luckily, I was able to catch them before they fell to the floor, but I learned that nails exist for a reason.

8) Dogs or cats? This is a hard one, but I’m going to have to go with cats. My first pet as an adult is a loving orange kitty named Ember, who sometimes tries to act smarter than a toddler and as affectionate as a dog.

9) Beatles or Elvis? Elvis. Can’t Help Falling in Love has many good memories for me and was the first song

10) Who do you call first with good news? My best friend, Erin.

11) Who has most impacted your professional life? My boyfriend and his family, they have really pushed me and even continue to push me to achieve and be the best version of myself that I possibly can.

12) What was your first record, CD, or cassette you bought? The first record that I bought was the Tron Legacy Soundtrack.

13) Who do you wish you could meet again for the first time? Jared. We have both grown a lot recently and I wish that we could meet again for the first time with where we are now.

14) Favorite Holiday? Halloween!

15) What travel experience has most influenced your life? The few travel experiences that I have had in the last few years, to Chicago, Madison, and recently Maui, have made me really realize how large the world is and the endless opportunities that are in it.

16) What inspires you to do your best work? Making my family and support network proud.

17) How do you restore your energy when you’re feeling worn down or burnt out? I go out to nature, either on hikes or bike rides, and I let the air heal me.

18) Is there a humanitarian that has left an impression on you? Mother Joseph of the Sacred Heart. I first learned about her in Middle School and even created a project about her for a History Day competition. Often recognized as one of the first architects of the Northwest, being responsible for the completion of hospitals, academies, schools, and orphanages. She truly dedicated her whole life to helping those in need. A quote from her that has stuck with me was, “Whatever concerns the poor is our affair.”

19) If a documentary was made in your life, what actor or actress would you want to play you? Margot Robbie, her sense of humor and slight dorkiness would be very fitting.

20) Favorite movie quote? “Things must happen when it is time for them to happen. Quests may not simply be abandoned; prophecies may not be left to rot like unpicked fruit; unicorns may go unrescued for a long time, but not forever. The happy ending cannot come in the middle of the story.” – Prince Lir, The Last Unicorn