By: Emma Cannon
After six incredible years with I Support the Girls, Kate Mistler of ISTG – Whidbey Island has made the difficult decision to retire.
Kate, winner of the 2024 BRAvo Award for her outstanding work as an affiliate, is known not only for helping everyone in her community but also for being the kindest, most incredible person anyone could have the pleasure of knowing.
Despite being located in the smaller community of Whidbey Island, Kate has created an extraordinary operation with a team of passionate and dedicated volunteers.
She joined the Affiliate Network back in 2019 after being inspired by Dana’s appearance on Mike Rowe’s “Returning the Favor” in the episode “The Bra Fairy”. The show celebrates everyday heroes. And Kate is an everyday hero.
Everyone who has ever worked with Kate comes to rely on her big smile, her warm and welcoming attitude, and her hilarious remarks. When we put out a call for Affiliate Mentors, Kate was the first to raise her hand and volunteer to take a new Affiliate under her wing. When I told her mentee who she was paired with, her immediate response was:
“I remember Kate from my first couple of online meetings with ISTG and thought she was a rockstar and really hoped I would be paired with her!”
Kate Mistler at ISTG – Whidbey Island’s Lift ‘Em Up Fundraising Party & Bra Auction on July 19th, 2025.
Her ability to build strong community partnerships and organize incredible events for those in need is unbelievable. Thanks to Kate, I imagine virtually everyone on Whidbey Island is wearing a clean pair of underwear right now. Seriously. I actually did the math using census data, and Kate has donated enough products on Whidbey Island for every single resident to have received at least eight items personally. Kate’s passion and commitment shine through in everything she does, and her impact on Whidbey Island is remarkable.
“Kate, you will be so deeply missed. I’m so grateful I had the chance to finally meet you in person last year when Erin and I visited Washington—your work on Whidbey Island is truly inspiring. You are a true changemaker, positively impacting the world for good.
Thank you for everything you’ve given over the past six years to support people in need and uplift your community.” – Dana Marlowe, Founder & Executive Director
Dana Marlowe, Erin Persaud, and Kate Mistler outside Kate’s Oak Harbor, WA home in 2024.
Kate will be missed, but we know she has built a strong, everlasting foundation with her dedicated team of volunteers that will undoubtedly carry the torch on.
Stay tuned to hear more about the incredible woman stepping into Kate’s shoes!
