Katrina Levy Zidel is the Founder and Executive Director of In Christy’s Shoes, a non-profit started after her twin sister passed away from terminal brain cancer at the age of 34. In Christy’s Shoes raises funds though annual gala events called “Sole Celebrations” both in Columbus and Arlington, VA. The funds raised go toward selected non-profit organizations that have programs that directly help and impact women who are facing challenges in 6 areas: homelessness, unemployment, domestic abuse, substance abuse, human trafficking, and brain cancer. Katrina says that when Christy died from brain cancer it rocked her to the core and left her feeling hopeless about life. “It took deep introspection and soul searching for me to see that it was my turn to carry the torch for my sister and to make sure that she was not forgotten. An annual remembrance luncheon to celebrate her life has become a non-profit committed to helping achieve greatness by funding programs that are dedicated to changing women’s lives.”
Katrina works full time for In Christy’s Shoes as a volunteer along with her two closest friends, Becky Sweeney and Jacki Barnett. Their time is devoted to sharing her sister’s story and helping women achieve personal growth through the work of the mission. Katrina also just finished 4 years of serving on the board of Dress For Success Columbus, which is a non-profit that In Christy’s Shoes began giving funds to 7 years ago.
Balance can be tricky and Katrina says it’s something that she has really worked hard to attain. “I have found that setting boundaries helps me to know my limits and availability between my career and my personal life. It also allows me to feel guilt free so that I am able to enjoy the experience. I find that it is extremely important to take time out for yourself. I joke that I have two jobs, I work at In Christy’s Shoes during the day and then I begin my second job after 3pm when I pick my children up from school. I have the best of both worlds and love doing both!”
Katrina would like to tell others to have the courage to ask for what you want and to believe you are worth it. She believes that the fear of rejection and failure inhibit the opportunity for growth and forward movement. “When you are able to put your fear aside and commit 100% you automatically create a favorable outcome because you wholeheartedly believe in it.”
Katrina plans to forward her cause by introducing their annual “Sole Celebration” fundraiser into different cities and states and to grow it on a national scale. She would like to continue to bring awareness to non-profits offering integral programs to women in need to help them continue to see personal growth and overcome their challenges.
To learn more about In Christy’s Shoes, please visit www.inchristysshoes.org.