Kathy Marcum, Director of Corporate Relations at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), has built a career around creating impactful connections that benefit communities. Her work goes beyond the university walls, bridging corporate philanthropy with grassroots engagement to drive change across various sectors.
Throughout her career and personal life, she has focused on cultivating relationships that foster positive change and encouraging others to find ways to contribute to the world around them.
“True collaboration isn’t just working side-by-side. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.”
Kathy has become a respected voice in community relations, a guiding force at UTD, and an advocate for corporate engagement that truly benefits society. This post explores her journey, the principles she lives by, and her advice for those looking for ways to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
A Career Built on Relationships
Kathy’s early career was centered around building corporate partnerships and managing brand relationships, which became invaluable in her work today. "I specialized in licensed branding," she recalls.
"For example, when Martha Stewart launched a line of products in the 1990s, I was the person on the manufacturer’s side that created the agreements for design, creation, production, and sale."
These formative experiences sharpened her business relationship skills and revealed the transformative power of collaboration. Her expertise in connecting individuals and organizations around shared goals would later shape her nonprofit work and community engagement career.
During a break to raise her children, her perspective on her career broadened. After moving to a new area, she sought ways to connect within her community. She explains,
"I started working part-time at a non-profit that contracted with health care companies. I felt like that was a calling for me. I decided I wanted to make sure that I was having a positive impact on the place that we call home, our community."
This role illuminated the value of her skills in a way she hadn’t previously experienced, helping her see success as more than just a financial metric; it was about the real, positive impact on communities.
Directing Corporate Relations at UTD: A Mission Beyond Academia
In her role at UTD, she manages and cultivates corporate partnerships with companies that view philanthropy as an opportunity to uplift communities through education. “I’m here to manage the relationships with organizations that we have... and find those new partners,” she explains. By linking corporate resources with the educational goals of the university, her work supports students, staff, and the broader community.
UTD proudly collaborates with corporations that share a commitment to positive social impact. She emphasizes the reciprocal nature of these relationships:
"It’s a win-win for everybody. For the employer, the benefit back is not only the goodwill in the community but also that they’re providing development opportunities to their employees beyond sitting at their desk."
Through corporate involvement, employees gain a sense of purpose and new professional skills, while businesses nurture social responsibility and enhance their community footprint.
The Transformative Power of Community Engagement
Her passion for community engagement extends beyond her job. To her, community engagement is "intentionally getting involved outside of your own four walls, whether it's your family unit, business, or office." Her role at UTD allows her to foster partnerships that support this philosophy, creating avenues for corporate philanthropy that extend into real-world impact.
Her goal is not just to encourage corporate giving but to inspire active involvement among employees. She explains,
"It's really important for organizations to have their people engage outside of work and find a greater good of why they're here and what they're doing,"
She believes community engagement programs are beneficial for everyone involved, promoting personal and professional development. "They're giving them opportunities to find mentors, to lead, to polish their talents," she says.
She also encourages organizations to provide flexible ways for employees to become involved in their community, including volunteering, joining local clubs, or participating in events, noting that "Nothing is too small. Most nonprofit organizations have very slim staff... an hour is enough to give."
When organizations are intentional about providing personal growth and professional development opportunities that also strengthen their communities, they create a dynamic force that enriches everyone's lives.
Values Shaped by Family and Early Experiences
Kathy’s commitment to community engagement isn’t just professional - it’s deeply personal. Her journey began in childhood, shaped by her family’s active involvement in their church. "My family was very involved in the church that we went to," she reminisces.
"It wasn't about just going to the service on Sundays and coming home... We all had that sense of belonging."
These early experiences taught her the importance of community involvement and laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to service. The isolation and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the significance of community, highlighting how essential human connection is to our well-being.
This commitment to community service is something she strives to instill in her children. She actively encourages them to participate in church activities and volunteer work, which has had a profound impact on them.
One of her most rewarding volunteer roles has been with Project Moses North Texas, an initiative focused on raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting survivors. Founded by a coalition of local churches, this group provides essential resources and support to agencies combating trafficking.
Navigating the Challenges of Community-Based Work
In roles that directly engage with communities, challenges are inevitable. Kathy has encountered her share of obstacles, particularly in community service and nonprofit management. She humorously refers to the ‘squeaky wheels’ - individuals who are especially vocal about their opinions - seeing this as a sign of their investment in the community’s well-being. She advises,
"Instead of seeing this as a negative, we should feel good about the fact that you’ve created an environment where someone feels like they can share.
During her time as a YMCA director, she faced the challenges of managing diverse viewpoints with limited resources. She recalls, “When people came to share a concern. I would always say to them, I am so grateful you feel so comfortable here that you want to share and make it a better place for yourself.”
Her approach to addressing feedback is rooted in empathy and openness, which she believes strengthens community connections and builds trust.
Encouragement for Aspiring Changemakers
For those new to community service, she advises taking small steps and remembering that "Major changes happen one small step at a time."
By identifying what matters most - whether it’s helping children, supporting the elderly, or conserving the environment - you can find a path to meaningful involvement. Here are a few of Kathy’s practical tips:
Identify causes that matter to you, ensuring your efforts align with personal values.
Don’t wait to be asked. Take the initiative by reaching out to organizations you care about.
Use online resources and local publications to find volunteering opportunities.
Join your local Chamber of Commerce for networking and community involvement.
Leverage your unique skills to find the right fit in volunteer work.
Stay informed about local issues through city council meetings and school updates.
Be open to learning from others, regardless of background or experience.
Stay persistent, knowing that big changes often come from small, steady efforts.
Kathy’s Call to Action
Kathy Marcum’s journey highlights the power of community and corporate partnerships to create meaningful change. Her work at the University of Texas at Dallas and her commitment to serving in her community reflect a belief that even the smallest contributions can make a difference.
Her involvement outside of work is also an inspiring call to action - an encouragement to explore passions, find ways to contribute, and actively shape the communities we call home.
Additional Resources
For those interested in community engagement, volunteering, or public service, here are some starting points:
Project Moses - A ministry focused on combating human trafficking in North Texas through education, advocacy, and support for survivors. It aims to raise awareness of the issue and provide resources such as scholarships for survivors in collaboration with local organizations.
The Communities Foundation of Texas: A philanthropic organization that connects donors with community needs, supporting various initiatives across the region, including education, health, and human services.
The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD): A public research university known for its strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs and commitment to research and innovation.