Meet Mary Katherine Howe

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mary Katherine Howe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mary Katherine, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

For me, optimism is all about perspective and gratitude. It’s mindset—always has been, always will be. We get so caught up in wanting, seeking, and comparing that we overlook just how simple optimism really is.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to wake up in a temperature-controlled home, with running water, grocery stores, and access to resources our ancestors could only dream of. That awareness alone is enough to cultivate gratitude and optimism.

I also draw optimism from history—understanding where humanity started and how far we’ve come. Take World War II, for example: the grit, the fight, the sheer will to survive. Reflecting on those kinds of events reminds me how fortunate I am to live in a time and place where my basic needs are met, where survival isn’t a daily battle. I’m also a veteran, I’ve deployed 4 times, and I have developed an understanding and appreciation for what I have in a free country.

When I ground myself in this perspective, everything else becomes a blessing. Life’s challenges feel more manageable, and joy—often in the simplest forms—becomes easy to notice. Optimism, for me, starts with recognizing the basics, appreciating them fully, and letting that gratitude shape how I see everything else.

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?

I’m Mary Katherine Howe, originally from East Texas, and my journey has been shaped by service, resilience, and a passion for helping others. I joined the military at 18 and served eight years in the United States Air Force Special Operations Command as an aerial gunner on the AC-130U. Those years instilled in me a fighting spirit, grit, and a perspective that continues to guide me today.

After leaving the military, I became a registered nurse and worked in the neonatal intensive care unit before finding my way into medical aesthetics. Over three years, I balanced work and school to earn my Family Nurse Practitioner degree, and now I practice as an aesthetics injector in Pensacola, Florida.

Alongside my clinical work, I created a blog and platform dedicated to advocating for veterans, military spouses, and anyone connected to the military community. My goal is to share their stories, highlight their work, and, most importantly, explore their keys to resiliency. Being resilient is something we’re often told to be in the military—but it looks different for everyone. I wanted a space where people could see the unique ways others navigate challenges and draw inspiration for their own journeys.

My platform also explores wellness topics through a nurse practitioner lens, diving into research-backed insights to spark curiosity and help people understand more about their health. And in my Mindset Matters series, I share personal perspectives on faith, life, and mindset, highlighting the attitudes and beliefs that guide me.

Beyond content, I’m passionate about supporting small businesses and individuals. I love spotlighting their spirit, dedication, and passion—because these people are the backbone of their communities. My mission is to help connect them with audiences that uplift and value their work.

Ultimately, my platform is about connection, empowerment, and perspective—advocating for people, sharing their resilience, and inspiring curiosity about health, wellness, and life. It’s about celebrating individuals while helping them see that their military experience is just one part of who they are, and it can be a foundation for something even greater.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. The Pause
Everyone talks about resilience as “never quit” and “always get back up”—and I agree, that’s crucial. But I’ve found there’s an equally important step before that: the pause. Pausing gives you the space to reflect on why you fell, what went wrong, and how to course-correct. It’s about learning from the setback so that when you stand up again, you don’t just repeat the same mistakes—you redirect your path with intention. That pause, though simple, has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

2. Being Teachable
One of the most important qualities I’ve relied on is being teachable—and coachable. Without this, growth is nearly impossible. To be teachable is to step back, set aside your ego, and absorb lessons wherever you go, whether they show you what to do or what not to do. Being open to guidance and mentorship not only helps you evolve but also lays the foundation for being able to mentor others in the future.

3. Caring
Caring is powerful—and it comes with vulnerability. To truly care means you’re putting yourself in a position where you might get hurt, professionally or personally, but it’s worth it. Caring allows you to nurture the people and projects around you, creating meaning and connection in your life. Without it, what’s the point? For me, caring deeply has been a cornerstone of both my resilience and my ability to impact those around me.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always looking to connect and collaborate with others, and this is one of the aspects that excites me most about the military and veteran community. I love highlighting and showcasing the stories of those around me. If you’re a military spouse, a veteran, or someone closely connected to the military community, I would be honored to share your story and platform.

This could include small businesses, nonprofits, or anyone seeking to find a supportive community that uplifts their work. My goal is to help create pathways and connections—another step on the roadmap to keep people engaged, supported, and inspired. I truly believe in the power of small, meaningful communities, and if that resonates with you, I would love to collaborate!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://marykatherinehowe.com/
• Instagram: _mary.katherinehowe
• Linkedin: Mary Howe www.linkedin.com/in/mary-howe-795418301

Image Credits

Amanda Leigh Good
Kady Lawson
Megan Munoz