LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Catherine Woods was nominated by her colleague, Dawn Mawhinney.

Ms. Woods changes the lives of many students at Technology High School, and embodies hope and kindness. She has led the charge in making her school focus on equity in acceptance, and retaining talented students of all genders, races and identities. She wants all students to feel accepted, and she gives them the tools to excel academically, dream big and achieve their goals.

"I often feel that Cate Woods is the touchstone that keeps us focused," Mawhinney said.

Ms. Woods has supported students through her English and Drama classes for over 15 years, but her real mission is success for all students. She is dedicated to promoting equity, identifying challenges in society and supporting students to navigate through their lives. Technology High School is focused on STEM, which is still a male dominated field. The school is about 40% female, and they are still striving for equality in numbers and support for the female students. 

Ms. Woods gives students a voice and lets them know they have support from the adults in their lives. She is the co-advisor to the Gay Straight Alliance Club, Fearless Females Clubs and the Peer Support Club. The Gay Straight Alliance is a club that allows students to express their voice on personal issues, and discuss greater issues in society. It's an environment of understanding, where LGBTQ students feel supported to be themselves in front of these peers, often times before coming out to their families. The Fearless Females Club gives students a platform to share their experiences, dreams and challenges in a male dominated field of study. They explore studies and current issues surrounding women’s quest for equality, and how important it is to cultivate talented scientists, regardless of gender, race or identity.

Last year, Ms. Woods took on another challenge of restorative justice; one in which the district embraced as well. The cornerstone is that community is of utmost importance, and when someone damages the community, they must make amends. Discipline isn’t a lone action; it involves all who harm and are harmed. Ms. Woods created a club that was focused on the community and culture of her school. It's a place where students learn skills to cope with difficulties in their lives and find ways to celebrate one another. The club has had a huge impact on Technology High School as a whole by lifting students up instead of focusing on negatives.

"Cate Woods has impacted countless student lives in positive ways," Mawhinney said. "She has changed the way our school cares, and gives a voice to students that may not otherwise have one. I am very proud to work with her daily. She is amazing."