Mary Katherine Kaven, Big Bend Hospice

NAME?
Mary Katherine Kraven

WHAT DO YOU DO?
Volunteer Coordinator at Big Bend Hospice

HOMETOWN?
Tallahassee, FL

TELL US YOUR TALLAHASSEE STORY:
Tallahassee is my hometown; born and raised. I spent my formative years involved in various local activities. Whether Springtime Tallahassee, theater, Girl Scouts, or local history – I was there! Tallahassee’s abundance of community spirit fostered my sense of civic duty from a young age. Though I went away for college, I returned to Tallahassee in 2020. The pandemic made returning home ideal, but Tallahassee itself made the transition enjoyable. I love my community and strive to improve it wherever I can. One way I achieve this is by working for Big Bend Hospice. Our mission is to inspire hope in our community one patient family at a time. I’ve seen our mission in action and its impact firsthand. I encourage everyone to find their community passion and participate in it. If that happens to be becoming one of my hospice volunteers, even better! I plan to stay in Tallahassee for the foreseeable future. My hope is that city and county leaders can work together to increase opportunities that attract young professionals. Yes, Tallahassee is a great place to raise a family or retire, but it is also an amazing place to live in your twenties and thirties. I look forward to seeing how Tallahassee grows, and I’d be honored if I could have a hand in it.

Are you involved in any organizations other than Access?
I am a member of the Access Action Committee, a new member of the Tallahassee Junior League, an active alumna of Alpha Gamma Delta, and a member of the Tallahassee Beer Society.

What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?
My favorite thing about Tallahassee is the history and the nature. I spent most of my weekends at one historic site, museum, or park. As the state capital we have so much history to explore. We are also fortunate enough to be surrounded by city, county, and state parks. The Tallahassee Museum has to be one of my favorite destinations. I’ve been a member since it was the Junior Museum and I attended Critter-Class-Zoo!

What would you say to someone considering moving to Tallahassee?
There’s a community here for everyone. Explore, and you’ll fall in love with Tallahassee despite the humidity.

MARY KATHERINE’S LOCAL FAVORITES:
Place to eat? Little Athens Gyro
Nature or Outdoor Space? The Tallahassee Museum
Happy Hour? OCBC
Place to people watch? Ground Ops or RedEye
Date Night? Brass Tap
Snap the perfect Insta pic? Maclay Gardens
Way to give back to the community? Volunteer anywhere and everywhere you feel called

THE INSIDE SCOOP ON MARY KATHERINE:
Her bucket list travel destinations: Knossos Greece
Her guilty pleasure movie: Halloweentown
The theme song to her life: Mirrorball by Taylorswift
Someone who inspires her: Dolly Parton – she grew up dirt poor and rather than bask in all her wealth, she gives back to her community in every way she can.