Katherine Giles '96

For Katherine Giles ’96, words have always held power. As a student at GPS, she gravitated toward English and history, drawn to the art of storytelling. Today, that early love of language has evolved into a successful career as a professional writer and editor, currently working in marketing creative for Scholastic, one of the most recognizable names in children's literature.

“I’ve always been a writer,” Katherine says. “I may not have known exactly what I wanted to do after college, but I knew it had to involve storytelling in some form.”

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in English from the University of Georgia—where she wielded writing skills honed in GPS classes taught by Anne Exum, Sylvia Chambliss, Jessica Good, and Roberta Ward—Katherine entered the workforce through Bas Bleu, a book catalog company in Atlanta. There, she sharpened her marketing copywriting skills and developed a deep understanding of brand voice, customer experience, and creative agility. Her six years with that company laid the groundwork for what would become a versatile and fulfilling writing career.

Over the years, Katherine has worn many hats—copywriter, editor, freelancer, and consultant—working for nonprofits, publishers, and global corporations. Her experience spans everything from writing historical features for a regional magazine in Charleston, SC, to crafting marketing case studies for a global safety company. The common thread? Her ability to take complex ideas and turn them into compelling, human-centered stories.

Today, at Scholastic, she brings that same storytelling approach to a national stage. As part of the School Reading Events division, which includes beloved programs like Book Fairs and Book Clubs, Katherine creates content that reaches educators, students, and families across the country. “It’s incredibly rewarding to use my skills to promote literacy and get books into kids’ hands,” she says. “And I get to work alongside some of the most creative people I’ve ever met.”

Katherine also mentors a college student through Girls Write Now, a national organization that empowers young writers through mentorship and community. It’s a role that connects directly to her own values and experience. “I was lucky to have wonderful teachers and mentors at GPS and in other chapters of my life, people who believed in me and supported my writing,” she says. “Now, I want to help someone else navigate the path.”

Giving back is a recurring theme for Katherine—both professionally and personally. She is a consistent donor to GPS and says, “You don’t have to write a huge check to make a difference. Regular giving adds up. If I can help a teacher attend a workshop, or help fund a student’s opportunity, that matters.”

As someone who has carved out a meaningful career with creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose, Katherine credits GPS for laying a strong foundation: “The school didn’t just teach me to write well or think critically—it taught me to believe my voice mattered. That’s carried me through every step of my career.”