Meet Kathryn Ikle

We were lucky to catch up with Kathryn Ikle recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kathryn, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I’ve learned that there will always be someone smarter, more attractive, faster, or wealthier—but living in constant comparison is a losing game. I believe I was created uniquely, and no one else can be me. That truth has grounded me and served me well over the years. I’m not competing with anyone else—I’m competing with myself. I ask: Am I reaching my full potential? Am I being the best version of me?

I also make it a point to surround myself with people who share that mindset—people who are so focused on being their authentic selves that comparison simply doesn’t have a place. That’s the kind of energy we cultivate in the Art Club of McKinney, Texas. We strive to uplift, encourage, and inspire our members to tap into their own uniqueness, which naturally manifests through their creativity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At my core, I’m a builder. Whether I’m designing user experiences, leading a nonprofit, or creating art, I thrive on turning chaos into clarity. I love to grow things—businesses, ideas, communities, and people. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking a vision that’s still forming and helping shape it into something real, impactful, and sustainable.

Professionally, I wear several hats. I serve as Vice President of Strategy & Design at Citibank, where I collaborate across product, design, and technology to create user-centered digital experiences. I’m also the President of the Art Club of McKinney—the largest and one of the oldest art clubs in Texas—and the President of AIGA Dallas, a professional organization dedicated to advancing design as a vital cultural force. In both roles, I focus on cultivating inclusive creative communities, amplifying underrepresented voices, and providing meaningful opportunities for growth and connection.

What excites me most is the connection between creativity and community. Through art, technology, and strategic leadership, I’ve found a way to blend my passions—empowering others while making meaningful things happen. I love mentoring artists and designers, helping creatives uncover their unique voice, and creating opportunities that didn’t exist before.

We have some exciting developments underway. The Art Club of McKinney is preparing for a major season of exhibitions, including Art Meets Poetry, the High School Student Art Show, and collaborative workshops across North Texas. We’re also actively planning a permanent headquarters to support our expanding programs and deepen our community impact. Meanwhile, at AIGA Dallas, we’re building new partnerships, launching events, and reviving local engagement to support the next generation of creative professionals.

My brand—whether through my art or leadership—is all about joyful growth, inclusivity, and creative transformation. I’m not just building things—I’m building spaces and communities where people can realize their full potential and shine.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Many of my favorite life quotes come from Thomas Edison, whose views on hard work deeply resonate with me. Edison firmly believed that success is built on effort, famously stating: “The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense.” He also reminded us that “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration,” highlighting the value of persistence over raw talent. Perhaps most telling is his observation that “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” To me, these words serve as a powerful reminder that meaningful achievement doesn’t come easy—it comes from showing up, pushing through, and putting in the work every day.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

“Do It Anyway” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard has really stayed with me. I came across it at the perfect time—when I was feeling drained and running on empty. It reminded me that sometimes, even when motivation is low or the path feels unclear, you have to push forward anyway. Often, it’s in those moments—when you show up despite how you feel—that growth happens and breakthroughs begin. That simple message: do it anyway—has been a powerful mantra for me in both life and leadership.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artclubofmckinney.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artclubofmckinney/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16X5GQSKQZ/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/art-club-of-mckinney-tx/?viewAsMember=true