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Kathryn M. Downing shares about how her personal growth has been shaped by Hudson:

As a young girl I learned the importance of feedback and a commitment to one’s development and growth. As a lifelong learner, I began Hudson with a good sense of myself and my stories. I was immeasurably surprised to see way more of me in the forms of a driven problem solver, an advice giver and the knower of many answers. Darn! There I was struggling with the concepts of unconditional positive regard, the belief in the resourcefulness of each person and the importance of self-compassion as essential parts of the feedback process. I agreed with the principles but didn’t realize I was getting in my own way. My three recording reviews helped me see that I did not embody these principles. The reviews were both discouraging and encouraging. Discouraging that I was that much of a “knowing the answer” person; encouraging that I wanted to change and was willing to put in the years of hard work, practice, and feedback to develop myself as a coach.

These were life changing experiences. They opened me up, they challenged my beliefs and values, they cultivated my ability to observe myself in relationship with others. They are the gift that keeps on giving, even 15 years later.

Completing the certification program, I asked Pam and Toni how I could be part of a learning community of coaches. Pam introduced me to coaching supervision and I began a monthly practice with a supervisor in small groups reflecting on my coaching. This practice continued for the last 14 years and has only ended now with my recent retirement. It inspired me to become a certified coaching supervisor and I was privileged to be a member of the Hudson Supervision Center.

My learning transformations were, of course, significant contributors to my coaching and supervision practices. Yet, where they were most important was in my relationships with my grandchildren and nieces and nephews. I transitioned from an advice-giving grandma/aunt, to listening and being curious about them and where they were in their lives. I became a safe person for them to share and explore their challenges, successes, disappointments, hopes and dreams. My relationships with the young people in my life are the single greatest gift of my Hudson experiences and affiliation.

Kathryn M. Downing shares about the drive behind her donation to the Frederic Hudson Scholarship Program:

I have three personal stories about scholarships. The first is when I was In my early 20s and was accepted to law school with a full scholarship. That enabled me to attend and pursue my studies. In my 40s and 50s, In my work with the Women’s Foundation of California we established a Women’s Policy Institute and gave sponsorships to women across the state to attend and learn advocacy on behalf of their communities. The graduates of the Policy Institute have made a tremendous difference across the state, both in their communities and at the state level. The third was the establishment of a small educational scholarship fund for young people that has enabled a dozen individuals to attend college, and has funding for several more.

In short, I believe in scholarships. I believe in the work that Hudson Institute is doing in the training and certification of coaches. I believe in the need to broaden the members of the coaching profession to reflect the populations we serve. Today the coaching profession is an elite slice of the world. The Hudson community has been traditionally limited by the significant costs that the best coaching program in the US requires. This scholarship fund is an important step to enable greater participation in the program.

I love that the scholarship fund was established and established in the name of its co-founder Frederic Hudson. His writings and philosophies infuse all of Hudson and it is a fitting tribute to him.

Kathryn M. Downing speaks to the opportunities that have been unlocked for her since graduating from Hudson's Coach Certification Program:

This question does not feel very relevant unless you want to include becoming a supervisor, continuing to deepen my self awareness and growth, a successful coaching business, and then a successful coaching supervision business, a doctorate in coaching supervision (enabled by Hudson sponsoring my doctoral research), and now retirement….

Perhaps the answer is:

The greatest opportunity that was unlocked for me through the Hudson Institute is the ability to be a better human being in all aspects of my life.

The Frederic Hudson Scholarship Program thanks Kathryn M. Downing for being part of the Hudson community and for helping us in our mission to broaden access to adult learning.