Name:  Kate Peralta

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
I met my husband on my very first day of college when I was 18, and from that moment on, my life took a completely different trajectory. He was active duty Navy, and after graduating, I made the decision to move from Charleston, South Carolina to Honolulu, Hawaii to be with him. At 20 years old, I moved over 5,000 miles away from everything I had ever known. Even in a place as beautiful as Hawaii, it was both exciting and incredibly challenging. Within a single year, I bought my first car, we purchased our first home, and I stepped into my first full-time role, all without my support system. It was a season of rapid growth and responsibility that pushed me far outside my comfort zone, but it ultimately shaped my independence, resilience, and confidence in navigating change.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Slow down. Everything will work out the way it’s meant to. Don’t rush through life! Be present, be grateful, trust the process, and enjoy where you are.

Your Personal Why?
My “why” is rooted in building a life of purpose, stability, and impact. Not just for myself, but for my family and the communities I serve. I’m deeply motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful change, especially in spaces that require both strategy and compassion. Whether it’s through my work, my relationships, or my faith, I strive to contribute to something bigger than myself and leave people and systems better than I found them.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
My “why” aligns closely with THF’s mission to empower individuals during pivotal transitions. Having experienced major life transitions myself, as a military spouse, I understand how critical the right support system, resources, and guidance can be. I’m drawn to THF because it sits at the intersection of purpose, service, and transformation. Being part of this ecosystem allows me to contribute to a mission that honors service while helping individuals confidently navigate what comes next.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
My connection to the military is deeply personal. My husband has been serving in the Navy since 2016, and I’ve had the privilege of experiencing military life alongside him, from being a military girlfriend to now a military spouse. He served as a dive-qualified submarine nuclear mechanist mate aboard the USS Missouri (SSN-780) out of Pearl Harbor, made Chief at NPTU Charleston in 2025, and and is now transitioning to medical school through the EMDP2 program at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences at Walter Reed. Through him and the broader military community, I’ve developed a deep respect for military service members and their families, their discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
“Be You” resonates deeply with me because it reflects a belief I’ve carried throughout my life: that the most meaningful impact we can make comes from showing up authentically. My alma mater, the College of Charleston, reinforces this same idea through the inscription above the Porter’s Lodge: ΓΝΩΘΙ ΣΕΑΥΤΟΝ (Gnothi Seauton), translating to “Know Thyself.” To me, these messages are inseparable. Knowing yourself, your values, strengths, and purpose, creates the foundation for truly being yourself in any environment. In both my personal and professional life, I’ve found that authenticity builds trust, strengthens relationships, and allows me to lead and serve others more effectively.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Project management and operations across higher education, state government, and nonprofit sectors, with experience in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and strategic implementation.

Contact Kate directly at kate@honor.org.