USA TODAY Bestselling Author • Motivational Speaker • Founder • Certified Grief Coach

“It’s not your lifespan that matters. It’s your wingspan.”

Helping People and Organizations Navigate Change with Resilience, Connection & Purpose

Kate Doerge is a USA TODAY bestselling author, motivational speaker, certified grief coach, and founder of Penny’s Flight Foundation. Through heartfelt storytelling, research-backed insights, and practical strategies, Kate inspires audiences to navigate change, embrace resilience, and lead lives filled with greater purpose and connection.

After losing her father, her mother, and her 16-year-old daughter, Penny, Kate made the choice to transform unimaginable loss into a movement centered on hope, action, and possibility. That journey became the foundation for her bestselling book, Reimagining Grief, and the keynote presentations she now shares with organizations, leadership teams, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and conferences across the country.

Kate’s presentations are emotional without being heavy, inspiring without being cliché, and always grounded in practical tools audiences can begin using immediately.

An inspiring speaker, Kate gives talks at corporations, healthcare organizations, schools, and conferences on a range of topics including conquering challenges, finding your purpose, new approaches to grief and loss, career changes, midlife changes and mental health. Talks include Post Traumatic Growth, 5 Actions Through Grief, How to Shine Your Light, Creating a Purpose-Driven Brand and more.

A strategist for top brands and Operating Partner at Traub, Kate is known for her expertise on communication strategy, partnerships, rebrands, transformation, and mission-inspired initiatives. Current and former clients include L’Oréal, H&M, Kate Spade, Value Retail- The Bicester Collection, Tag Heuer, and Oscar de la Renta.

A non-profit founder, and transformational board member, Kate is leader for multiple purpose-led initiatives.

With her husband Chad Doerge, Kate launched Penny’s Flight Foundation in honor of her daughter Penny who passed away from Neurofibromatosis complications in 2022. The Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and funding research for Neurofibromatosis and inspiring others to live with positivity. There are over 100 Penny’s Flight chapters at high schools and colleges across the country dedicated to inspiring young people to make an impact at any age.

Kate is the Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Hospital for Special Surgery. She is a member of the Board of Trustees and the HSS Pediatric Council. For almost two decades, Kate has Co-Chaired HSS’ largest and most successful fundraiser for the Pediatric Pavilion, raising more than $27 million. Kate is a Board Member and strategic advisor for the Penny Doerge Adaptive Academy (PDAA) at the Hospital for Special Surgery. The Academy organizes adaptive programs for kids and teens facing a range of disabilities.

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Penny in a hospital gown with a tiger pattern, smiling, standing next to a nurse in medical scrubs and a surgical cap.

With her husband, Chad Doerge, Kate launched Penny’s Flight in honor of her daughter who passed away from Neurofibromatosis complications in 2022. The Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and funding research for Neurofibromatosis and inspiring others to live with positivity. There are over 100 Penny’s Flight chapters at highs schools and colleges across the country dedicated to inspiring young people to make an impact at any age.

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