TXWSW salutes its all-volunteer staff of women who are leaders in their field and make the time to contribute to our collective success. They lead by example and are generous with their time and resources in helping others. They are truly Limitless Leaders.
Please join us in recognizing Kathleen Barbee, a Limitless Leader. We are grateful for all that she does!
Kathleen Barbee
Director of Development
Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail
TXWSW Status: Philanthropy Committee Member, Fort Worth
Why did you choose to become a volunteer?
I had been in the finance industry for almost 15 years before moving to non-profit. During the last 18 months of my time in finance, I struggled internally with my lack of ability to give back to the Fort Worth community that I love so much, especially giving back to the community’s youth. That’s when I was approached about joining TXWSW. Its mission of bringing professional women together and their mission to contribute to the success of FWISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy was an obvious synergy for my personal growth. Soon after joining, I made the leap into the non-profit sector where I have the opportunity to truly impact the next generation in Fort Worth by bringing programs into schools that focus on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship – all areas that have been fundamental to my professional growth over the last 15 years.
What future change would you like to see in the finance industry (or your industry) and how will you contribute to that change?
There definitely needs to be a change in the overall demographic of leadership in the industry. More women (and young women) should continue to break through the barriers and make their leadership skills known. The industry is a high-octane, high-stress environment and there needs to be continued access to remote work environments and work-life balance. The ability for an intelligent, capable woman to perform at a high professional level must be better balanced with her ability to be an excellent mother. The industry as a whole should rally around this concept. While we are seeing a shift in that direction, there is so much more progress that can be made.
What is your current favorite book or podcast regarding personal growth, female empowerment, and or career advice?
Please Understand Me II by David Keirsey is not necessarily a “current” book; however, was fundamental to the development of my emotional intelligence. In 2007, when I was first recruited into finance, I was given a personality assessment. As a result, I saw for the first time, what my true “make-up” is. I was fascinated and wanted to learn more. While I learned a lot about managing my own intellectual and emotional responses, I was not expecting to learn so much about how to interact with others. That was my first introduction to emotional intelligence which has been a driver in my management style. Another book that I read recently, albeit fiction, focuses on a current matter that has a very polarizing effect in our society. A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult, focuses on a women’s issue ultimately leading to strikingly opposing sides coming together in the face of tragedy. It’s beautifully written and is a great reminder that women are empowered when they stick together, regardless if they have varying opinions on the subject matter.Texas Wall Street Women is a non-profit networking group that supports its members in their career growth by offering valuable networking and educational opportunities. We also give back to our community through our partnership with the Young Women’s Preparatory Network that provides college preparatory education to underserved girls across Texas. We provide our entire programming with an all-volunteer staff who all have successful finance careers and still have time to volunteer to help other women achieve their goals.

Do you know a Limitless Leader making a difference in finance? We encourage you to share this with your mentors, friends, and colleagues so that we can celebrate their achievements and success by becoming a member of Texas Wall Street Women.