Kate Mortenson is a social enterprise entrepreneur and executive leader, whose belief that society can DO better and BE better has powered the success of a myriad of social change and business initiatives. A skilled strategist and fearless disrupter, Kate combined her journalism background and extensive media expertise to build a culture-shaping business iPondr, SBC, in 2020. As a technology, education and media company, iPondr uses the power of human-stories journalism to foster a more connected society. Leveraging this dynamic learning content to meet the workforce and culture needs of business, iPondr@Work provides evidence-based learning to upskill employers and employees for the new norms of workplace culture. Technology powered “DEI 2.0” E-learning and Empathy skills development unlocks the superpowers of authentic, high-performing and thriving teams.
Kate's previous entrepreneurial experience includes leading the 2019 Men’s Final Four™ in Minneapolis, first as Bid Director, then as host committee CEO. Kate founded the Minnesota Sports Corporation to develop the NCAA's $750 million event which brought $143 million into the Minnesota economy. MN Sports Corp developed new strategies that the NCAA adopted, drew record attendance across events in downtown Minneapolis, and set a new standard for vendor and community inclusion. This earned the committee a Vision 2025 Leadership award from the Downtown Council and Minneapolis’ first-ever Award Certification from The Council for Responsible Sport.
Kate’s other achievements include being an inductee into the Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest Business Hall of Fame, a Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal “Women in Business” honoree, a C-Level Magazine “CEO of the Month,” and a Twin Cities Business magazine 2019 “Person to Watch.” Kate has served on many nonprofit boards, including six years as a member of the Board and Chair of Governance at Minnesota Public Radio. Currently she is a board member of Mortenson Family Foundation and Stratacor, the parent company of Delta Dental of Minnesota. Kate and her husband, David, have (mostly) launched three young adult children from their home in Minneapolis.