Russell Sage College graduate Kate Schneider, MBA, is an x-ray technologist at an upstate New York orthopedic practice, a registered dietitian for a health technology company and the reigning Mrs. World.
She is using her health sciences expertise and her Mrs. World platform to call attention to multifaceted issues that affect childhood health.
“I participate in anything from 5Ks, extreme ropes courses, food and clothing donations, radio shows, educational presentations and galas in support of everything from juvenile diabetes, food insecurity, childhood obesity and childhood cancer,” she said.
Kate held an undergraduate degree in radiologic sciences when she decided to return to school for a second bachelor’s degree, this time in Nutrition Science.
“I wanted to become a registered dietitian more than anything, and Russell Sage just happened to be one of the top programs out there!” she said.
She then enrolled in Sage’s highly regarded Dietetic Internship program and completed her MBA at Sage’s School of Management.
“One of my nutrition professors, Stephanie DiBacco, was my biggest inspiration during my undergrad in nutrition. She was everything I aspired to be, as she was a registered dietitian with an MBA,” Kate said.
“During my graduate studies, Dr. Kim Fredericks was my mentor and inspiration. She was an endless source of encouragement and laughs, and made me feel like I could accomplish literally anything I set out to do. She’s a gem at Sage.”
Kate entered her first pageant as an 8-year-old, attracted to the “the glitz and glam” as well as “getting to ride on the back of a convertible in a parade.”
“It wasn’t until I became married that I realized the deeper meaning in pageants, which is service to others and making a difference in the world,” she said. “I re-entered the pageant scene in 2019, winning Mrs. New York, then Mrs. Ireland, then Mrs. World!”
Mrs. World is the largest competition for married women in the world, with more than 80 countries that participate, said Kate. Her heritage made her eligible for the Mrs. Ireland title, which she held when she was named Mrs. World in April 2021.
She’s excited for all the opportunities that come with the role, from walking the runway at New York Fashion Week to making appearances on behalf of childhood health issues, including a visit to the main campus of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
“Sage prepared me by teaching me to never put a limit on what I am capable of doing,” Kate said of combining her work with individuals as a health care professional and her work with causes as Mrs. World. “Sage showed me that I can wear more than one professional hat at a time.”