Title:Interview with Katrina Trompeta

Job Title: Director of Digital Channel Strategy

What led you to Georgetown University Advancement?

My journey to Georgetown Advancement began somewhat unexpectedly during my senior year of undergrad. I initially joined Georgetown as a Hoya temp worker, which gave me my first exposure to the university’s operations and culture. I was drawn to my first role as a Web Editor because I knew I wanted to work with technology in some capacity. Up to that point, I had held many retail jobs and knew I enjoyed working with and engaging people. I saw Advancement as a great fit after learning that it is the university’s fundraising arm, aligning my interests and setting the stage for my professional growth as a people-centered technologist.

What’s been your biggest achievement at Georgetown so far in your career?

My biggest achievement at Georgetown has been earning my Master’s degree in Technology Management in 2023. Doing so deepened my technical understanding and taught me how to be a strategic and effective leader, transforming my approach to problem-solving and team dynamics. This combination of advancing my education and developing my professional skills led to the rewarding milestone of leading my own team today.

How did you end up in your current role? Did you have previous experience?

I didn’t have previous experience since the Digital Channel Strategy team was first formed when I was hired full-time in 2017. However, after 9 years in Advancement, I found that having deep institutional knowledge helped me navigate the role effectively. I ultimately became a director because I knew I wanted to lead my own team one day. To achieve this, I shared my aspirations and worked closely with my manager, Anupam, to map out a path on how that could look after finishing my master’s program. I remain deeply grateful for his unwavering support and for investing in my professional growth throughout the years.

What’s one fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?

I love amphibians and reptiles, and I’m a member of the Virginia Herpetological Society, where I help conduct surveys to track native species across the state! 🐸 On a completely different note, I’m also a casual Muay Thai martial artist and once traveled to Thailand for a training session with Sagat Petchyindee, a legendary fighter who inspired the character of Sagat in the Street Fighter video game series. Between tracking herpetofauna in the wild and throwing punches, my hobbies tend to keep life interesting!

How does your work align with the broader mission at Georgetown & Advancement?

My work aligns with Georgetown’s broader mission by ensuring that accessibility and inclusivity remain at the forefront of our digital communications, reflecting the university’s commitment to cura personalis, care for the whole person, and equitable access to information. By amplifying the amazing work and events happening across campus, we encourage our audiences to embrace lifelong learning and inspire them to give back to their communities through service to others. Lastly, our digital channels connect diverse voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue and intellectual exchange that lies at the heart of Georgetown’s Jesuit values.