Welcome to the first blog post in our new series, 5 Questions With…, where we shine a light on inspiring nonprofit organizations, their staff, and the communities they serve. Each post will explore five key questions—touching on both professional and personal topics—that help us understand the work and connect with the unique journeys of individuals, as well as the broader issues at play. Through these stories, we hope to spark meaningful conversations, foster connections, and celebrate the diverse efforts that drive positive change.

In this first installment, we chat with Katie Allston, President & CEO of Marian House, a Baltimore City-based nonprofit helping women break down barriers and heal themselves and their families through housing and supportive services.

With a motto of “Women Moving From Dependence to Independence,” Marian House was founded in 1982 by the Sisters of Mercy and the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Since the organization’s inception, it is estimated they have provided transitional and permanent housing, alongside supportive service programs, to over 3,300 women and 1,300 children. The Knott Foundation has been a proud supporter of this success for over 25 years.

Leadership of Marian House had long been in the hands of the Sisters—until 2007, when the Board and the Sisters took a chance on Katie Allston, their first lay leader. Reflecting on her hiring, Katie said, “I think they liked me, but there was a lot of, ‘Will this work?’ And there was a lot of fear, to be honest. I was not sure, you know, would I like this role? Would this feed my soul?” As I quickly discovered during our conversation, not only has the role nourished Katie’s soul, but her dedication has, in turn, nourished countless others.

What inspired you to take on the role of president & CEO at Marian House, and what has kept you passionate about this work over the years?

I never aspired to be an executive director, but my career as a social worker led me to a place where I had ideas about how things could be done differently in nonprofit organizations. I always found myself thinking, “If I were in charge, I would do this or that.” When the opportunity to lead Marian House came, it felt like fate—almost like being repeatedly poked until I finally applied for the position. The fact that I’ve stayed here for 17+ years comes down to Marian House itself. This organization is unique, and the ability to see the women we serve transform their lives feeds my passion and keeps me rooted here. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and the positive change that happens right before my eyes.

How has your background and personal journey shaped your approach to leading a nonprofit like Marian House?

My journey into social work was a natural extension of my love for people and a deep spiritual belief in service. I came to Baltimore through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, and my experiences working at Chase Brexton Health Care during the early years of the HIV epidemic solidified my desire to be a social worker. That foundation shaped my leadership at Marian House. I bring a social worker’s perspective to managing our programs, ensuring that we always prioritize the needs of the women we serve. Their resilience and courage motivate me, and I feel a deep responsibility to create a safe, supportive environment where they can heal and grow.

What has been the most rewarding part of your role as president & CEO, and can you share a moment that was particularly meaningful to you?

The most rewarding part of my role is watching the women in our program change—seeing them walk in, unsettled and lost, and then over time, noticing the outward signs of healing: eye contact, smiles, a sense of self-worth. Recently, I witnessed one of our residents give a powerful speech at our annual event and knowing how far she had come was an incredibly proud moment for me. Every story of success, every small win, reminds me of why we do this work. Even though the struggles are real and often heavy, moments like these make everything worthwhile.

“The staff take care of the women. So, I take care of them, making sure we have the money that we need, making sure that we can give them good health insurance, all of those things they need. And to do that, I have to tell the story of the work we’re doing. And it’s incredibly fun to just talk about what we do.”

How do you manage the demands of leading a nonprofit while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and what strategies do you use to stay resilient?

This is something I have thought about a lot over the years and I believe working as a career social worker before being in this role helped prepare me. I learned early on in my social work career; somebody may very well walk into your office at four o’clock on a Friday with an eviction notice for Monday morning and all you can do is make a plan for Monday. You must be able to go home for the weekend and sleep and eat and not let that crisis interfere with your ability to live.

You need to set boundaries, not because you don’t care, but because there is, at times, nothing you can do but sit with the uncertainty. While not a formal practitioner of mindfulness, I think I am fundamentally mindful and can stay focused on what is happening in the moment. Having healthy outlets like camping, travel, live music, and strong friendships provide a counterbalance to work. As does recognition that even in the sadness, there are points of light that find you as well.

“If I meet someone for the first time at a dinner party and they ask what I do, I’ll sometimes start by saying, ‘I’m a social worker.”

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to take on a leadership role in the nonprofit sector, especially in an organization focused on housing and social justice?

If there’s one piece of advice, I’d offer to anyone looking to step into a leadership role in this field, it’s to be prepared for the emotional and operational weight of the job. Housing programs, in particular, are complex, costly, and require a deep commitment to the people you serve. It’s not easy, and it’s not always glamorous. But if you’re ready to take on the challenge, the impact you can make on individuals’ lives is immeasurable. My advice: focus on the mission, stay grounded in the work, and remember why you started in the first place.

Preseident, CEO, fisherwoman, straightshooter, advocate, these are just a few of the labels one could use to describe Katie Allston. At her core, however, the best descriptor is social worker. While her current role is not direct client service, she has great respect for the work and understands the tears and triumphs that it entails. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that meaningful change comes not only from strategic leadership but from staying connected to the heart of the work.

If one could clone Katie, you might see Marian House’s popping up in DC, New York, and Philadelphia. While not currently on the horizon, we are fortunate to have Marian House and Katie Allston’s leadership here in Baltimore. Together they will undoubtedly continue to help women break down barriers, heal, and move from dependence to independence for years to come.

To learn more about the work of Marian House, click here.

By Kathleen McCarthyi