March is Women’s History Month, when we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and contemporary society. With this series, we intend to highlight some of NPRC’s women for the work they have done throughout their careers and for their contributions to the College and higher education. In 2025, Women’s History Month has adopted the theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
Education has taken Oil City’s Kat Thompson around the world. From her time as a college student in Michigan at Spring Arbor University, studying abroad for a semester in Costa Rica, to time in China teaching English, and now an advocate for education in western Pennsylvania as the Membership and Education Manager for the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of NPRC’s Board of Trustees, education has been the catalyst to many opportunities in her professional career. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Global Economic Development, Thompson and a small group of her peers from Spring Arbor University moved to China for a new chapter in their lives and begin their working career. It was an experience that was life-changing and one that blended her love of different cultures, travel, and a passion for education.
Upon returning to the United States, she found work in the tourism industry as a tour leader, driving a van of tourists around the country. It was a seasonal position, but after fulfilling the itch to travel for a while, she came back to her roots. Now back in Venango County, she has worked her way into a leadership position with the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. “I like to say that I live in Venango County on purpose,” said Thompson. “I’ve seen what’s out there in the world, and this remains a great place to be and it’s full of wonderful opportunities for meaningful careers, to get out into nature, and participate in community events.”
Thompson has immersed herself in the community since returning to her roots around a decade ago. She has become involved in organizations such as the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP), Friends of Oil Creek State Park, the Oil City Main Street Program, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board (PA WDB), the Venango Technology Center, Future Leaders and Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), and Be Here Venango. She’s also a graduate of Leadership Venango, holds a Certificate of Achievement from Strictly Business: Dale Carnegie Immersion Seminar, and is currently completing training through the Institute for Organization Management (IOM), a four-year nonprofit leadership training program through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “I’ve been to over 30 countries and over 40 states, but now, I enjoy new experiences and learning new things right here at home and around Pennsylvania. However, I do still love to travel internationally, especially with my mom.”
Thompson’s mother is someone she strives to be like because of her compassionate, loving demeanor, as well as her adventurous spirit, to always do and see something new. Whether it was in her career working in a male-dominated industry like manufacturing or being adventurous on kayak trips and family vacations, Thompson acknowledges her mom is and will always be her biggest role model. “My mom worked for our family business, Grand Valley Manufacturing, and was a big part of helping it to grow and be as successful as it is. Having worked there growing up and in parts of my career, I saw first-hand how much she cared for the employees and their families. She is who I got my travel bug from, as she planned many road trips and vacations for our family. She was always the cool mom and showed me how to be independent and try new things.”
In more recent years, President/CEO at the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, Susan Williams, has been an amazing mentor in helping Thompson learn so much about leadership, business and the chamber of commerce business in particular. “Susan is always learning and visioning for a better future,” she said. “She really knows and understands all that it takes to run a small business; because that’s essentially what a chamber is. She’s taught me so much about leadership and what it means to be a strong leader. Susan showed me that the Chamber world is not just a career, it’s a lifestyle. I’m fortunate to have her as another significant mentor.”
Some of the best advice Thompson has received in her career is to set up procedures and systems that will help maximize time and innovation, be intentional about the connections made, be genuine and curious when speaking to those in your network and find new ways to improve or build skills. “Joining a young professional’s group is a great way to build a network and new skills and to do so in a lower stake environment. I joined FLEX when I came back to Venango County. It’s a young professional group, and it helped me meet so many people and to learn and grow and truly develop in my leadership journey.”
One of Thompson’s more recent professional moves was to join NPRC’s Board of Trustees. She’s been a longtime advocate for the College and helped the institution in her role at the chamber, but her role in aiding NPRC is now more defined than ever before. “It’s been an honor to join the board and learn from remarkable leaders, including several who are influential women. Their poise, strength, and professionalism serve as a source of inspiration. As a woman who strives to continue improving as a leader, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be with several strong women in our meetings and witness their expertise in action.”
When Kat Thompson returned to the United States from her life abroad, she was unsure what may be next in her career. However, going back to her roots has allowed her to find amazing purpose in her life and career. She’s built an impressive network and continued to lean on her mentors for advice on how to continue to improve and grow as a professional. Today, there’s no doubt she’s making a difference in the Venango County area and beyond. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned over my career is staying true to myself instead of trying to fit into societal expectations. I am the best version of me when I can be my genuine self. And I’m lighthearted, bring lots of energy, and like to have fun – while maintaining professionalism and getting the job done, of course! It allows me to be the best me at work, for my family, for my friends, for my team, for the organizations I’m a part of, and for the community I serve. Embracing my authentic personality, skills, and strengths has allowed me to be the best version of myself. When I first started my career in China, I didn’t embrace that mindset. It was a valuable lesson to learn that I’ve carried with me in my career and life – authenticity is a strength. By leaning into my unique personality, skills, and strengths, I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally. And hopefully that inspires others to do the same, helping us all to move forward together.”
Kat is only one of the many inspiring women in the NPRC community we are celebrating this month. Join us for two remaining features this March that celebrate women in the workplace and inspires young women to explore an entire world of possibilities in their lives and careers!
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