STRONGSVILLE, OH, May 01, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Katie Bradigan has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Bradigan has operated at the intersection of policy, practice and people for over two decades, building bridges between classrooms and careers, innovation and access, and vision and real-world change. As the head of global engagement at Defined Learning, she leads national and state-level initiatives to close achievement and opportunity gaps, expand workforce readiness and prepare students not only to succeed but also to lead. Her work directly supports school systems, departments of education and elected officials across the country to build scalable, real-world solutions that equip young people for the future.

Ms. Bradigan also serves as the founder and chief executive officer of the Westfield Innovation Network, a global consulting firm launched in 2017 that helps organizations rethink systems, drive equity and align strategy with purpose. Her leadership, which is fueled by a core belief that education is the most powerful force for social change, has touched thousands, from local schools to Fortune 500 boardrooms.

One of her clients, Antonio Samuel, global head of operations and engineering at Tesla, notes, "Katie didn't just help shape my leadership—she shaped my lens on what's possible. As a mentor and coach, Katie relentlessly challenges me to lead with clarity, empathy and boldness. The work I do today at Tesla, pushing boundaries and driving change at scale, is rooted in the impact she's had on my life. I am better because of her."

Before joining Defined Learning, Ms. Bradigan's distinguished career included serving as vice president at Discovery Communications, where she helped launch the first fully digital textbook in U.S. history. Later, in her executive leadership role at McGraw-Hill Education, she led national teams in sales, implementation and customer experience, supporting schools and communities nationwide. Ms. Bradigan began her career in public service as a legislative aide and public affairs professional, gaining early insight into the intersection of policy and education.

According to Dr. Maurice Stinnett, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at the NBA, "Katie B doesn't just build strategy—she builds belief. Her vision is bold, her mind is sharp, and her empathy and soul are what make people want to follow her. I've seen her transform teams, not by what she demands, but by how deeply she invests in who people are."

Ms. Bradigan graduated summa cum laude in only three years from The Ohio State University with a degree in communications and business, a rare academic achievement attained by fewer than 2% of U.S. undergraduates.

In honor of her parents, with whom she credits all of her success, she established the Larry and Mary Bradigan Scholarship of Hope, an annual award for a graduating senior at her parents' alma mater, Bradford High School in Bradford, Pennsylvania. The scholarship is awarded to a student who has overcome extraordinary adversity in pursuit of a higher purpose in life and was inspired by a life-changing act of kindness by Larry's teacher and principal, Jerry Long, in 1969.

Ms. Bradigan continues to champion women's leadership and intergenerational mentorship. She serves on the board of advisors for the University of Tennessee's Women in Leadership Program and is a two-time honoree of the Women We Admire Top 25 Female Leaders in Ohio. She volunteers through civic and faith-based organizations and actively supports youth programs that build confidence, communication and career skills.

Two of the most meaningful influences in Ms. Bradigan's life have been her 102-year-old neighbor and best friend, Bette Laugel, and Don Hull, proudly 90 years young. Bette's wisdom and friendship over a decade of early morning coffee conversations has shaped Ms. Bradigan's understanding of legacy, love and what truly matters most in life; Don is the only grandfather figure she has ever known and one of the most influential figures in her faith. Through Don and Bette, Katie has discovered that true connection knows no age, that life's most lasting lessons are passed heart to heart and that the impact of a life well-lived echoes far beyond a single lifetime.

Looking ahead, Ms. Bradigan remains focused on redefining how the nation's youth prepare for their futures and how the next generation of women leaders step fully into their purpose. Reflecting on her goals, she concludes, "My purpose in life isn't just to succeed. As my mom and dad always told me, it's to live a life of faith, to leave the ladder down, build systems that outlast me, and make sure every learner and leader, especially the often overlooked, knows they belong in the room."

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

# # #