Katy Read

Reporter | Carver and western Hennepin Counties

Katy Read writes for the Star Tribune's Inspired section. She previously covered Carver County and western Hennepin County as well as aging, workplace issues and other topics since she began at the paper in 2011. Prior to that, she was a reporter at the Times-Picayune in New Orleans, La., and the Duluth News-Tribune and spent 15 years as a freelance writer for national and regional magazines.

Read has also written for Salon, Real Simple, Working Mother, Minnesota Monthly, the Chicago Sun-Times, The Toronto Globe and Mail and other publications. Her essays have been published in several anthologies including "Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir." She has won a Minnesota State Arts Board grant and multiple literary awards, as well as four fellowships for journalists on aging. She is a Minnetonka native and a University of Minnesota graduate. Her most exciting hobbies include working (very slowly) on a memoir, cruising the internet and walking her dog.

Recent content from Katy Read

Three 101-year-old friends recall fond memories in 1940s Alexandria

Virginia Goering, Vera Sims and Viva Froemming have stayed friends for 80 years.

Minnetonka teenager singlehandedly organizes nonprofit and travels to Tanzania to coach girls in running

Maya Mor decided to use her "gap year" constructively.

This rocks! Minnesotans are painting stones with kind messages to spread cheer.

Brightly decorated rocks in yards across the state are part of a "kindness rock" trend.

For Minneapolis assisted-living chaplain, residents' stories are 'a gift'

Annie Lees went from Los Angeles actress to chaplain at Catholic Eldercare so she could spend time talking to people.

Could a system developed by Minnesota high school students reduce school shootings?

Vigilance Safety, a system designed by Wayzata High School students to detect guns, has receive praise from police, educators and even a gun dealer.

Minnesota company helps special-ed teachers around the country

Creatively Focused helps educators organize paperwork and connect with other teachers.

Minneapolis program sparks youth careers through community projects

Spark-Y offers hands-on classroom learning, internships and apprenticeships to help kids achieve their "destiny."

St. Paul club offers 'a lot of fun stuff' for people with developmental disabilities

The Highland Friendship Club was organized by the moms of two members.

Volunteering in hospice helps Macalester students contemplate death's mysteries up close

"Just being there" can be a comfort to people in their final days.

Minnesota music teachers play alongside Minnesota Orchestra members in special concerts

Each of 54 educators sat beside an orchestra member playing the same instrument for a performance of Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" during season sampler concerts.

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