Kathleen Paul
M.A Strategic Communication, 2007
 As a student at Antioch, Kathleen Paul says she discovered that a journey of self-discovery is a prerequisite to effective collaboration.
"Self-awareness, in group dynamics and in leadership approach, is a critical attribute," she notes. "Further, education in a learning collaborative provides the experience to thrive in any work setting."
This vice-president of communications and public policy for Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle says she was attracted to Antioch after a conversation with Betsy Geist, core faculty in the Center for Creative Change.
"I was inspired by every faculty member at Antioch. Each one shared so much of their own life experience."
"I realized this was a place where I could tailor my education to meet my interests and make it a meaningful life experience," says Paul. "At every turn during my Antioch education, I returned to work and applied the theories I was learning. It has been a phenomenal growth experience. Now, I also understand that communications plays a key role in sustainable change."
She describes her Antioch experience as "a time filled with many selfless gifts," and adds, "I was inspired by every faculty member at Antioch. Each one shared so much of their own life experience."
When she recommends Antioch to prospective students, Paul suggests, "Your greatest learning at Antioch will be a product of self-reflection."
Her best memory is of her master's degree change project that involved producing a film about Seattle's Bailey-Boushay House, a facility that offers health programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. The short documentary won billing at the 2008 Seattle International Film Festival. (Click here to read more.)
"Two of my classmates and I collaborated on a living history video project," she describes. "Following the advice of B.J. Bullert, core faculty in the Strategic Communication program, we drew on a professional crew to help us develop a quality program. At every stage of our production journey, we lived an object lesson in social construction. What we originally envisioned as audio recordings of an oral history became a 32-minute documentary short.
"It was a fascinating process. Our team, together with the professional crew, produced a testament to Bailey-Boushay House that was far greater than any one of us would have accomplished alone. As we began the project, it became apparent we would be telling the story of a unique organization and an even more extraordinary time in Seattle's history. Beyond recording a chronicle of AIDS in Seattle, we wanted to capture the passion of the diverse group who came together to change our community's response to those living with AIDS.
"Bailey-Boushay House: A Living History is much more than the story of a building; it is a story of caring and compassion. It is a story of social justice. It is a story of bridging social capital to create an accepting community. As we conducted the interviews, I witnessed and experienced sadness, conviction, humility and hope. The project became incredibly meaningful for everyone involved. By reconnecting people with the positive energy surrounding the development of Bailey-Boushay House, we have rekindled their passion for positive social change."
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