When Kate Rogatina joined BC CRN in June 2025, she brought with her a rare blend of technical expertise, global experience, and a deep commitment to community service.
With a background in computer science, education, and non-profit work, she quickly became an essential part of our team.
As BC CRN’s Coordinator of Grants & Data, Kate plays a key behind-the-scenes role that helps keep our organization running smoothly.
Her work ensures that every Community Response Network (CRN) across the province has the funding, documentation, and support it needs to continue building safer and more connected communities.
For Kate, it’s meaningful work that ties together everything she’s passionate about, including precision, purpose, and helping others.
A Global Journey Rooted in Service
“My background lies in information technology and education. I have a Bachelor of Computer Science and a master’s in education, and I did both of my degrees in Russian,” Kate explained.
“Then I moved to Taiwan where I began my career in non-profit organizations, starting with a volunteer opportunity in a cultural centre in a small village in the middle of Taiwan.”
After four years in Taiwan, Kate moved to Canada, where she worked in a school district and later at a Neighborhood House.
“In the Neighborhood House, I was an administrative coordinator working in settlement, seniors and language departments,” she said.
This work gave Kate a foundation in supporting diverse communities, which eventually led to her working for BC CRN.
A Supportive Team and a Shared Purpose
Kate said the thing she appreciates most about BC CRN is the team.
“I think what I like the most is the supportive team,” she said. “Whenever I need to reach out to my team members and I have a question or any requests, they’re always there to help me and check in with me.”
She also values the learning opportunities that come with the job.
“I have a passion for education, and I found multiple learning opportunities,” she said.
“For example, I recently did program presentations orientation and I’ve learned so much more about BC CRN and about vulnerable adults, abuse, and neglect, and what it’s like, how to prevent it, what we can do as a community.”
Behind the Scenes, But Central to the Mission
“I mostly work behind the scenes, and I support my team – the provincial team and the coordinators of our CRNs – remotely,” Kate explains. “I work mostly with the forms that come to me, and I process them, and I follow up a lot with everyone within BC CRN throughout my day.”
Her work ensures accountability and efficiency in all community projects.
“At BC CRN, part of my role involves processing project applications, invoices, and reports, and ensuring they’re accurate and aligned with funder requirements. By maintaining clear tracking systems and following up promptly with coordinators, I helped streamline the reporting process, which allowed the organization to demonstrate accountability and effectiveness,” she said.
Kate adds, “When coordinators have submitted late or incomplete invoices and reports, I’ve worked directly with them to clarify requirements, update tracking forms, and upload accurate information. I also ensure that all documentation gets submitted on time and in compliance with funding agreements. As a result, BC CRN could confidently demonstrate program impact, helping secure continued funding for community-based initiatives across the province.”
Finding Solutions and Streamlining Processes
Working remotely has its challenges, but Kate takes them in stride.
“We are all far from each other and sometimes maybe we want to connect, but we have this distance between us,” she said. “It’s not a big challenge for me because I think I enjoy working remotely and having the flexibility, but there are some logistical issues that go along – like processing and mailing checks.”
This has been especially troublesome during the ongoing Canada Post strike, but Kate has helped mitigate that by asking people to change to direct deposit instead of mailing checks.
Kate also mentioned how she’s worked to make critical data easier to access.
“Since I came to BC CRN, we moved lots of data to the drive, which is very convenient. We’re working toward streamlining processes.”
A Unique Focus on Prevention
Having worked with other non-profits, Kate quickly recognized what makes BC CRN unique.
“Before, I worked with seniors’ programs, but it wasn’t focused on abuse and neglect prevention,” she said.
“What makes it unique, I think, is the focus on older adult programs specifically,” she said. “It’s not the topic that you hear everywhere. You rarely hear about it, so it’s a very unique organization.”
Inspired by Passionate People
“What inspires me is the passion of all the members of BC CRN and their passion to serve the community,” Kate said.
“Just because we are all across B.C. and lots of communities are remote, I can see that people there are very united, and they know each other. They all visit each other’s workshops and the events they organize. I think it’s very unique to see this work happening with so many people passionate and willing to work toward the same purpose.”
Life Beyond Work
Outside of work, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
“We mostly do hiking, swimming, and yoga,” she said. “And I’m a former swimmer – I was on the junior national team in Russia.”
Kate also speaks several different languages, including Russian, English, and Mandarin, and she’s currently learning French.
She’s also pursuing her teaching certification in British Columbia, inspired by her daughter.
“My daughter inspires me the most,” she said. “She’s my motivation to keep going, as well as my passion to make a difference and have a meaningful purpose. I just love teaching.”
