Katie Voelpel moved to Virginia Highland from Tampa, Florida in late 2016 after receiving her M.S. in Architecture and Community Design from University of South Florida. She took a few years to find her passion and tribe in Atlanta and ultimately decided to combine her entrepreneurial talents with her passion for community and civic engagement.
In 2018, she co-founded Beautify VaHi with the help of ART BATH SOUL small business owner, Catina Stravoulakis. Virginia Highland District Association was borne out of an expanded version of Beautify VaHi during the height of Covid-19, with an expanded mission and financial, organizational, and operational support from local resident and philanthropist, Lindsay Wheeler. Katie has gone on to organize a board of stakeholders, programs, and community partners to support VaHi small businesses and its local economy.
You can find Katie in the intersection at her favorite restaurants, like Mai Kitchen, Bar.bacoa, and Tuscany at Your Table, and shops like Atlanta Pro Bikes, Dakota J's and Green Flamingo. She advocates across Atlanta for a strategic plan to support the city’s small business corridors through the Atlanta Main Street program. An overall optimist and enthusiast, she believes "life's sweetest moments come from community" and continues to inspire others to get involved in helping their community grow.
