MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KATE ABBOTT AIRS HER VOICE IN DIGITAL SPACE AND THE DLE

By Katie Kelly, DLE Social Media Intern, Communications and Culture major with a concentration in Media and a dual minor in Sports Journalism and Digital Technologies and Emerging Media at Fordham University, New York, NY

Longtime Berkshire resident, Kate Abbott, has taken major steps in her career path and works towards achieving new goals.

After working as the Berkshires Week editor at the Berkshire Eagle for over seven years, she shifted career gears six years ago to become a freelance writer and editor. “I write for regional publications, the Boston Globe, the Eagle and others on a variety of topics including the arts, outdoors, food, community stories and more,” she notes. “I have had a multitude of experiences through exploring and talking with so many people in the community.”

The COVID-19 pandemic changed freelance writing similarly to how it changed everything else in the world. So Kate decided it was time for a change. With the world turning more digital, she pursued an entrepreneurial role in building her own website centered around all things Berkshires. “I mostly worked in print, but I wanted to create a place to have my content digitally. That way, my community had easy access to it. The Berkshires needed a voice in the digital space,” reflects Kate.

Her website, By the Way Berkshires has become a place for residents and tourists to stay up to date on events happening in the Berkshires, from artists to companies. Kate found that people were struggling to find things to do and bouncing between 50 websites. Having one central location for activities in the Berkshires and stretching to Albany, NY, and Bennington, VT was just what the Berkshire community needed. Kate’s website also serves as a place for community members to meet one another and form relationships.

Kate was introduced to the Dulye Leadership Experience through its founder, Linda Dulye, whom she recently met after joining EforAll‘s entrepreneurial cohort. She instantly saw value in the DLE and the major role it plays in the Berkshires. “There is a growing number of people in the Berkshires who want to expand, grow and build themselves–the DLE has made that accessible to everyone,” Kate says.

She adds, “There are a lot of people in the wake of COVID who are learning how to create careers in what doesn’t look like a traditional career path. The DLE has the training and programs that teach entrepreneurial skills that people need to succeed.”

She especially values the connections made possible through the DLE’s extensive and diverse network. “A welcoming environment is a priority to the DLE and comes across very clearly through its members from different backgrounds, careers, levels of experience, etc.,” raves Kate.

“The DLE is a combination of mentorship and practical skills, which are hugely important. Having a network and resources like the DLE is invaluable.”