LP 40 for 40 – Graciela Katzer

The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40^th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.

We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.

Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 28 Graduate, Graciela Katzer, President of the Plano International Festival.

Born in Argentina, Graciela moved to Plano 36 years ago. After her executive career in corporate America, she decided to stay home to raise her only son and dedicate her time and talents to embrace diversity, inclusiveness, and equity in the community.  She has served as the President of the Plano International Festival for the last nineteen years and co-chairs the city of Plano Multicultural Outreach Roundtable.

She serves on the Plano Symphony Orchestra Education Committee, and Plano Chamber of Commerce’s board;  she is a charter member of Collaborative Arts of Plano. She served as Plano ISD Council of PTAs Cultural Diversity Chair and has volunteered with many more cultural and arts organizations.

She has received many honors and awards: 2023 North Texas Performing Arts Volunteer Stardust Award recipient, 2022 Volunteer of the Year award for the Love of Arts, 2019 National PTA Life Achievement Award, 2018 City of Plano Environmental Star of Excellence Award (individual adult category), 2014 WOVI (Women of Visionary Influence) Mentor of the Year nominee award, 2012 and 2006 Plano ISD’s Diversity Leadership Award, 2012 LULAC Community Service Award, 2010 Texas PTA Lifetime Membership award, 2010 nominee for Plano ISD’s Diversity Leadership Award, 2008 Volunteer of the Year Honoree Volunteer of North Texas.

1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?

As I started becoming more and more involved in the community many years ago, I started working with past graduates of the program and heard great things about it. Dr. Christopher A. Parr suggested that I apply. It took me time to arrange my schedule to ensure all Thursdays were open during the length of the program. I’m glad I was able to make the time for it, as it was worth every minute!

2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?

LP weekend retreat was fun, challenging, and rewarding! Took me back to my best youth memories!

3. Why do you think LP is so impactful for our community?

Many Plano and North Texas leaders went through the program and many more that impact Plano everyday went too!

4. What is one thing you can attribute to LP that is a success in your life or career?

I’m a community Volunteer … if you can call that a career … LP inspired me to get even more involved in my community during the last 15 years.

5. If your class had a class project, what was it and why was it important?

Because it was the class where I met great people that have become personal friends.