Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Katie Katz of Victory Bridge Foundation Is Helping To Change Our World
Take Care of Yourself, Too: Advocating for mental health while neglecting my own well-being was a hard lesson to learn. In the early days, I was so consumed with building the foundation that I burned out. Now, I prioritize self-care and encourage my team to do the same. Whether it’s taking a day off, leaning on my support system, or setting boundaries, I’ve realized that a healthy leader is essential for a healthy organization.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Katie Katz.
Katie Katz, founder of the Victory Bridge Foundation, is a woman on a mission to transform mental health care for veterans, first responders and their families. Inspired by her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, dementia and untreated PTSD, Katie has turned personal pain into a platform for change. Sitting down with her, I was struck by her raw honesty and unyielding determination to bridge the gaps in mental health resources that have left so many families, like her own, struggling in silence. Through her foundation, Katie is creating a community of hope, healing, and resilience. In this conversation, she shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and her vision for a world where mental health care is accessible, connected, and stigma-free.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story!
The journey to founding the Victory Bridge Foundation began with my personal experience watching my father, an Air Force veteran, face immense challenges. He battled Parkinson’s disease, Parkinson’s dementia, and untreated PTSD — struggles that profoundly affected him and deeply impacted our family. At the time, mental health was not something openly discussed, and there were no clear pathways to seek support. The weight of isolation and uncertainty fractured our family, leaving us overwhelmed and broken.
After my father’s passing, I knew I wanted to honor his struggles and help others like him. I remember how alone he felt toward the end, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that countless other families must be facing similar hardships without the support they needed. Initially, I wasn’t sure whether my focus would be on veterans, Parkinson’s disease, or something else entirely, but I realized that the gaps in mental health care often lie at the intersection of these challenges — affecting veterans, first responders, and their families alike.
Along my own mental health journey, as I processed the impact of my father’s struggles and explored ways to heal from my damaged childhood, I discovered NAD IV therapy. In just 10 days, it opened my eyes to so many possibilities for healing. It changed my life, and it’s something I believe should be accessible to everyone — especially veterans. Therapies like NAD IV and ketamine can guide people through their healing journeys, offering options that are too often inaccessible or misunderstood. Every veteran and every person deserves the chance to explore these options without barriers like cost, stigma, or lack of awareness standing in their way.
This realization became the foundation of Victory Bridge. While resources for mental health have improved since my father’s time, they remain fragmented, leaving many families to face these challenges in silence. Victory Bridge was born from a place of love and determination to change that. Our mission is to build a complete and connected mental health care network that ensures no veteran, first responder, or family member has to endure these struggles alone.
Victory Bridge is about bridging the gaps, fostering connection, and providing a lifeline for those in need. It’s my way of turning my family’s experience and my own journey into something that can inspire hope and make a lasting difference for others.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my story and our work at Victory Bridge Foundation.
One of the most interesting and touching moments since starting Victory Bridge happened during a virtual hangout with our Heroes Club, a peer-led support group for veterans and first responders. A retired firefighter shared how he had been silently battling PTSD for years, struggling to find a space where he felt understood. During one session, after hearing similar stories from others, he finally opened up about his experiences.
That moment was transformative — not just for him but for the entire group. Seeing him embrace the camaraderie of peers who truly understood his struggles was incredibly powerful. Later, he shared that the community we’d built had saved his life and given him a renewed sense of purpose. It was a profound reminder of why we do what we do.
To further foster these connections, we’re launching the Resilience Room, which will include family-focused episodes, Heroes Club episodes, and community episodes designed to break down barriers, encourage advocacy, and build awareness. These programs are an extension of our mission to ensure that veterans, first responders, and their families have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Moments like these, and the incredible stories of resilience we hear, reinforce the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. It’s those human connections that make our work so meaningful and drive us to continue building a bridge to better mental health.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Early on, during one of our Heroes Club calls for veterans, we accidentally posted the wrong link for a meeting. To my absolute horror, it led to adult content popping up on the screen during the session. There were about 15 or 20 veterans on the line, and suddenly this very explicit video started playing. I panicked and exited the session, thinking it would stop the video for everyone — but it didn’t. One of our key team members was actually hosting the call, so the content kept playing for everyone else!
At the time, I was mortified, imagining the worst-case scenarios. But, thankfully, the group took it in stride and were such good sports about it. We all laughed about it later, and it became one of those “Can you believe that happened?” moments. Looking back, it’s hilarious, but in the moment, I felt like I’d ruined everyone’s day.
What I learned from this experience is twofold. First, always double-check your links before sharing them — especially in professional settings! And second, when things go wrong, it’s okay to laugh at yourself and embrace the humanity of the moment. Mistakes happen, and sometimes, they can even bring people closer together through shared laughter.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
The Victory Bridge Foundation is transforming mental health care for veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families by addressing the unique challenges they face, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Our mission is not just to provide services but to revolutionize how mental health care is delivered by creating a unified ecosystem that bridges gaps and connects fragmented resources into a powerful support network.
We’ve developed initiatives like The Resilience Room, a podcast featuring family-focused and community-centered episodes, as well as our Heroes Club and Unsung Heroes Club virtual hangouts. These programs offer safe spaces where individuals and families can share their stories, receive peer-to-peer support, and access practical mental health strategies. Beyond providing services, these initiatives foster a sense of community, reminding participants that they are not alone and that mental health is not something to be hidden but championed.
Our advocacy efforts extend beyond individual programs. Through events like the Golden Victor Awards, we collaborate with leaders, policymakers, and influencers to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and drive systemic change. These events not only highlight critical mental health issues but also celebrate those making a difference in this space, helping to generate the funding and dialogue necessary for lasting impact.
At the core of our work is a commitment to creating a legacy of care and resilience. Every program, event, and conversation is designed to ensure that our nation’s heroes and their families have access to comprehensive, stigma-free mental health care. We’re not just making an impact; we’re building a movement to transform mental health support into something accessible, effective, and enduring.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
One of the most powerful aspects of the Victory Bridge Foundation is witnessing how our programs create community and connection in unexpected ways. A standout example is one of our main program directors.
He joined the Heroes Club with the intent of helping others. This individual was eager to lead as a program director, believing his role was primarily about giving back and guiding others through their challenges. However, as he participated in meetings and got to know the community, he realized something unexpected: he needed the same connection and support that the program provided to others.
Our program director later shared with us that his experience had been profoundly healing for him. He found a space where he could openly explore his own feelings and challenges, something he hadn’t realized was missing from his life. The community became a source of strength and understanding for him, just as it was for the veterans and first responders he worked to support.
This story encapsulates the essence of what we do at Victory Bridge Foundation. Our programs are not just about offering services — they are about building a community where people can connect, share, and heal together. This journey is a testament to how creating safe, supportive spaces can profoundly impact individuals, often in ways they didn’t anticipate, and demonstrates the ripple effect of fostering genuine connection and care.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Absolutely. There are three critical actions that can help address the mental health crisis impacting veterans, first responders, and their families:
- Increase Funding for Mental Health Services: One of the most significant barriers to care is the lack of adequate funding for accessible mental health resources. Policymakers can prioritize budget allocations for programs focused on PTSD support, suicide prevention, and family mental health services. On a community level, individuals can support organizations like Victory Bridge Foundation through donations, fundraising, or volunteer efforts. These resources enable us to expand programs like the Heroes Club and Resilience Room, reaching more people in need.
- Break Down the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health: Stigma continues to be a major hurdle, particularly for veterans and first responders who often feel pressure to appear strong and self-reliant. Society can foster change by normalizing conversations about mental health through public awareness campaigns, community events, and education. Politicians can lead by example — advocating for mental health initiatives, openly discussing these challenges, and championing efforts like the Golden Victor Awards to highlight solutions and celebrate progress.
- Expand Access to Mental Health Care: Accessibility remains a critical issue, especially in rural or underserved areas. Policymakers can create programs that make mental health services affordable — or ideally, free — for veterans, first responders, and their families. Investing in telehealth solutions can bring care to those who might otherwise go without. Community organizations and advocates can collaborate to identify and address gaps in care, ensuring that no one is left behind.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership isn’t just a title — it’s the grit and integrity to be someone others trust to follow, even when it means breaking the mold. True leadership isn’t about settling for the status quo; it’s about being bold enough to inspire rather than control and driving meaningful change rather than staying within comfort zones.
A real leader is humble, fully committed to the mission, and willing to make the tough decisions for the greater good. For me, leadership means putting the vision and the people you serve above personal comfort, staying focused on the bigger picture, and fostering an environment where others feel empowered to contribute and grow.
For example, when I founded Victory Bridge Foundation, I knew we needed to take a different approach to mental health care for veterans and first responders. It meant challenging outdated systems and creating a connected ecosystem of resources. Leading this effort required stepping into the unknown, making difficult decisions, and staying steadfast in our mission to ensure no family has to face these challenges alone. That’s what leadership means to me — staying focused on the impact while bringing others along for the journey.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
When I started Victory Bridge Foundation, I learned many lessons the hard way, but they’ve shaped my leadership style and the way we run the foundation. Here are the top five things I wish someone had told me:
- It’s Okay to Start Small: When I founded Victory Bridge, I felt immense pressure to launch large-scale programs immediately. I wish someone had told me that small, meaningful actions often have the greatest impact. For example, our Heroes Club virtual hangouts began with just a handful of veterans and first responders. Over time, this small initiative grew into a thriving community, demonstrating that progress doesn’t have to start big — it just has to start.
- You Can’t Do It All Alone: In the early days, I believed I had to handle every responsibility myself, from operations to fundraising. It was overwhelming and unsustainable. I eventually realized the importance of building a strong team and leaning on others. For instance, bringing Nick Busse on board as a co-host for The Resilience Room podcast allowed us to share the workload and significantly amplify our reach and impact.
- Expect Challenges — and Embrace Them: I wasn’t prepared for the number of roadblocks we’d face, from funding issues to logistical hurdles. Early on, we struggled to secure the resources needed to launch our programs. I learned to view these challenges not as failures but as opportunities to grow and innovate. For example, resource constraints pushed us to embrace virtual platforms, which became a cost-effective way to expand our reach and engage with more people.
- Celebrate the Small Wins: In the beginning, I was so focused on achieving big goals that I often overlooked smaller victories. I’ll never forget the first time a veteran told us our program had saved his life. That moment reminded me that even one life changed is a monumental success. Taking time to acknowledge and celebrate these milestones keeps me and the entire team motivated and aligned with our mission.
- Take Care of Yourself, Too: Advocating for mental health while neglecting my own well-being was a hard lesson to learn. In the early days, I was so consumed with building the foundation that I burned out. Now, I prioritize self-care and encourage my team to do the same. Whether it’s taking a day off, leaning on my support system, or setting boundaries, I’ve realized that a healthy leader is essential for a healthy organization.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement, it would be a nationwide mental health revolution — one grounded in awareness, education, and understanding. This movement wouldn’t just focus on veterans, first responders, and their families; it would encompass everyone in our communities and across the nation.
The goal would be to foster a genuine understanding of mental health. With understanding comes compassion, and with compassion, the stigma surrounding mental health begins to fade. Mental health impacts everyone, either directly or indirectly. Studies show that one in four individuals will face a mental health challenge in their lifetime, and the other three will know someone who has.
This movement would normalize conversations about mental health, empowering people to seek support without fear of judgment and encouraging communities to create safe, supportive environments. It would also prioritize making mental health care accessible and diverse — offering wellness centers, therapy pods, and various options tailored to individual needs.
One critical aspect of this revolution would be helping people understand the complexities of mental health. Many dismiss struggles as someone simply being “crazy” without recognizing the intricate ways trauma and life experiences shape the brain. People cannot choose how their brain responds to trauma — it’s a matter of biology and psychology, not willpower.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
My favorite quote is by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad.”
This simple yet profound statement has shaped my perspective on mental health and the work I do with Victory Bridge Foundation. It’s a reminder that behind every smile or strong exterior, there may be struggles we cannot see. Whether someone is navigating their own mental health challenges or supporting a loved one, everyone has a story, and those experiences deserve compassion and understanding.
This quote has been especially relevant in my life as I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of untreated mental health issues on my father, my family, and others in similar situations. It has driven my commitment to creating a society where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health — free of stigma and shame.
By normalizing mental health conversations and providing tools and resources for support, we can foster a culture of empathy and connection. This belief guides everything I do, reminding me that healing and understanding begin with recognizing that we are all navigating challenges, and none of us should have to face them alone.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
There are two people I’d love to meet for very different reasons: Michael J. Fox and Mark Wahlberg.
Michael J. Fox holds a special place in my heart because of the hope he brought to my family when we were navigating my father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. Growing up, he was the only public figure openly facing Parkinson’s, and seeing his courage made us feel less alone. Watching him on TV, knowing he was fighting not only for himself but also for a cure, gave us strength during some of our hardest times. His advocacy for Parkinson’s awareness and research has been deeply inspiring, and I’d love the opportunity to thank him in person for the hope he gave us.
Mark Wahlberg, on the other hand, would be an incredible person to connect with for both his dedication to supporting the veteran community and the strategic opportunities it could create for the Victory Bridge Foundation. He’s made such a positive impact through his work, and I’d love for him to see the work we’re doing, perhaps even collaborate or attend one of our events like the Golden Victor Awards. His platform and influence could amplify the awareness of the issues veterans and their families face, and it would be amazing to have him as part of our mission.
Both individuals, in their unique ways, embody values of resilience, advocacy, and giving back — qualities that resonate deeply with what we strive for at Victory Bridge Foundation.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow our work at Victory Bridge Foundation through the following channels:
- Website: Visit our official website at victorybridge.org for information on our programs, events, and initiatives.
- Social Media:
- Facebook: Victory Bridge Foundation Facebook
- Instagram: @victorybridgefoundation
- LinkedIn: Victory Bridge Foundation LinkedIn
- Newsletter: Subscribe to our newsletter through our website to receive updates on our latest news, events, and opportunities to get involved.
- Podcast: Listen to “The Resilience Room,” our podcast featuring discussions on mental health and wellness for veterans, first responders, and their families.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Katie Katz of Victory Bridge Foundation Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.