About Kate

 Thank you so much for visiting this space.  I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me. 

 I was blessed to be born the first grandchild in a five-generation family.My great-great-grandmotherr was almost a century older than me, and I was fascinated by her.  Every time we visited, I would climb up in her lap and tell her about the family on Little House on the Prairie, our family’s favorite television show.  “Little Grandma Minnie” was a contemporary of Laura Ingalls, and I am sure she found me slightly amusing, telling her about churning butter and crank phones and sewing by hand.  One day, I told her about the family riding in a covered wagon and she told me how her family had ridden in a covered wagon across the corduroy road, all the way from Noble County, Indiana, to Gladwin, Michigan.  That’s when I understood, at the tender age of 5, that time is fleeting and our ancestors’ stories deserve to be remembered and shared.  I became that child that asked many questions and begged for a story about what life was like when you were a child.  And those stories became my own. 

In 2015, a family member was gifted an Ancestry test.  Their father was adopted and I’d seen a talk show where they mentioned that a person’s biological parent could be identified by using a consumer DNA test.  So I got to work.  I didn’t know there was a whole genetic genealogy community, so I was completely on my own.  A year later, I’d identified both grandmother and grandfather.  I’d caught the bug and began pestering everyone that I knew who was adopted…and then their matches began to find me with requests. 

In the spring of 2023, I was asked to speak at the Untangling Our Roots Summit in Louisville.  Even though, as a pastor, I’ve spoken at least weekly for nearly 20 years, I was daunted by the feeling that there were many speakers much more qualified than myself.  After my presentation, several people encouraged me to propose a topic for Rootstech. And I did.  

And then a few weeks later, I found the lump.

I was told by my oncologist that we’d caught it early and I would not need chemotherapy; just surgery and radiation.  Unfortunately, I’m an overachiever and my biopsy received a high Oncotype score, which meant a greater risk of recurrence.  So, a three-month course of chemo began, with the last infusion being just three weeks before I would leave for Rootstech.

RootsTech 2024 became my Gold Star Day.  Throughout the entire treatment, I prayed and willed myself well so I could fly to Utah; it was a pilgrimage of sorts.  RootsTech was absolutely amazing, and afterward, I was encouraged by so many people to present more proposals.

At the same time, I was discerning a change in my vocation as well.  I still felt called to be a pastor, but I wanted to be part-time to make room for genetic genealogy and speaking.  And that’s when my pastor friend called me and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, and everything fell into place.

In March of 2025, I spoke again at Rootstech, and the experience was even more powerful than it was in 2024.  I am so grateful for the many opportunities that have been offered to me by the wonderful people in the genealogical community.

SPEAKER BIO

Kate Penney Howard is a genetic genealogist and speaker specializing in endogamy and breaking down challenging research barriers with DNA. She brings decades of experience in family research and hundreds of successfully solved genetic genealogy cases.

Known for her compassionate approach, Kate helps clients uncover ancestral mysteries while providing them with more complete family medical histories and a stronger sense of identity. Her presentations captivate audiences by seamlessly blending historical context, technical guidance, and well-placed humor that keeps listeners engaged throughout.

Kate discovered her passion for teaching during her cancer journey, finding fulfillment in sharing knowledge with fellow genealogists. She approaches her work with integrity, deliberately addressing historical injustices and dispelling common myths in her presentations. 

Her speaking engagements include RootsTech, Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies, East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, the International Congress on Medieval Studies, the Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe, the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium, and the Foundation for East European Family History Studies, in addition to many state and county level organizations. 

Kate studied vocal music and earned a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis in 2011. She has served as a pastor in Fort Wayne since her ordination in 2012.