Catarina Hunter has been an integral part of the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership at Lewis & Clark College for over six years, bringing her expertise in operations, program development, and entrepreneurial education. As Associate Director, she plays a key role in shaping and managing the Center’s initiatives, including Winterim, the college’s flagship entrepreneurship boot camp. This immersive, fast-paced program equips students with entrepreneurial and leadership skills through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and real-world challenges.
Catarina also co-launched the Circular Innovation Challenge, a high school entrepreneurship camp focused on sustainability and innovation. This initiative engages students in developing creative solutions to environmental challenges while introducing them to entrepreneurial thinking.
As part of her mission to connect the liberal arts to problem solving in the workplace, Catarina engages professionals to speak directly with students about career path, industry trends and entrepreneurship via programs like Lunch with a Leader.
She holds a Certificate in Youth Entrepreneurship Education from Babson College and a BS in Political Science from Lund University in Sweden. With a background spanning business management, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Prior to joining Lewis & Clark, Catarina successfully founded and managed an after-school care business and has spent over a decade as an owner/manager of multiple rental properties.
Beyond her professional work, Catarina has been an active board member of the National Charity League and Riverdale School PTC and has volunteered with Raphael House and Elevate Oregon. A native of Sweden, she is fluent in Swedish, German, and English.
Outside of work, Catarina enjoys running and serves as a Nike shoe tester. She and her husband, Shawn, have three children navigating their own educational and professional journeys.