2025 Leader on the Rise Announced

In a world where the future is shaped by data, artificial intelligence, and innovation, Kate Thomas ’08 is not only keeping pace—she’s setting the course. As the Head of Data and AI Delivery at Google, Kate is redefining what leadership looks like in some of the most male-dominated industries today.

From her earliest days at Chatham Hall, Kate showed promise. A proud member of the Gold Team, she was deeply involved in campus life, serving on the Honor Council and participating as a COE (admission tour guide). She was recognized with the Science Department Award and the prestigious Rensselaer Medal, early signs of the bold intellect and curiosity that would carry her into the tech world.

After graduating from Chatham Hall, Kate earned a B.S. in Commerce with concentrations in IT and Business Analytics from the University of Virginia. After five years as a technology strategy consultant, she pursued her MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where she was named a University Scholar, a merit scholarship program funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Since then, Kate has blazed an impressive path in the world of data and AI. She began her tech leadership journey at Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect before joining Google in 2021. In just two years, she rose through the ranks from Cloud Consultant in Big Data and Analytics to Team Lead in AI and Machine Learning to her current role as Head of Data and AI Delivery. Her team now supports high-impact public sector clients like the IRS, World Bank, and the State of New York.

Kate’s work is not just cutting-edge—it’s changing lives. Her research on vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic was shared at the G7 Summit. And earlier this year, she spoke at the AI Expo for National Competitiveness, helping government leaders understand how to harness the power of Generative AI to fulfill their missions.

But her influence doesn’t stop with technical leadership. Kate is passionate about lifting others as she climbs. She mentors early-career women through Google’s women’s leadership committee and participates in the Pathways to Leadership program, which helps develop the next generation of female leaders in tech. In a field where women make up less than 15% of senior roles, Kate’s voice—and her visibility—matter.

Outside of work, Kate is known for her compassion and community spirit. She’s a dedicated volunteer at a Chicago animal shelter, fosters rescue dogs, and is a regular blood donor with the American Red Cross. Her love of family, friends, and travel keeps her grounded, especially in her role as a fun-loving Aunt Kate to nephews Caleb and Nicholas.

Kate’s story is a shining example of what it means to live "a life without limitations"—a phrase that rings especially true for Chatham Hall alumnae. With deep roots at the school (her mother, Molly Thomas, has taught science here for more than 30 years, and her sister, Virginia Thomas Harring ’06, is a fellow alumna), Kate credits Chatham Hall with helping her develop the confidence, curiosity, and connections that continue to shape her journey.

We are proud to recognize Katherine Leigh “Kate” Thomas ’08 as this year’s Leader on the Rise. Her extraordinary achievements—and her unwavering commitment to empowering others—are a testament to what Chatham Hall women can do.