At the recent Continental Congress in Washington D.C., Arizona’s Katherine “Katie” Paulsen was officially installed and sashed as the new State Regent of the Arizona State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ASDAR). For Arizona Daughters, it marked not only the beginning of a new administration, but the continuation of a remarkable journey of service, mentorship, leadership, and heart.
How it all began
As the first post of this new blog, it feels fitting to begin by introducing the woman who will help guide Arizona DAR into its next chapter.
Katie’s story in DAR began more than two decades ago, when she joined the National Society in 2003. But the spark that shaped her future leadership came at her first Arizona State Conference in 2005.
She attended simply to see what the event was like. What she did not expect was to encounter a group of pages in white dresses who enthusiastically encouraged her to join them. Within hours, Katie had gone shopping for page attire and returned ready to serve. She often jokes that they were the original influencers. What started as a spontaneous experience became a lifelong passion.
“I never stopped paging or serving,” she reflects. “It was so fun.” That spirit of joyful service has defined Katie’s DAR journey ever since.
Over the years, she has served Arizona DAR in nearly every capacity imaginable: State Vice Regent, State Registrar, State Historian, conference leader, committee chair, mentor, musician, and chapter regent. Her national service includes leadership roles in Constitution Week, Junior American Citizens, President General’s Project committees, and years of service at Continental Congress. She was also recognized nationally as an Outstanding Junior finalist in 2012.
Yet for Katie, leadership has always been about more than titles. One of her earliest state leadership roles was chairing Literacy Challenge, now known as Literacy Promotion. She credits strong mentors early in her membership for helping shape her confidence and encouraging her to grow within the organization. That support became foundational to her own philosophy of leadership: creating opportunities for others to step forward and discover their own path in DAR.
Arizona Daughters’ welcoming spirit is something she experienced firsthand as a young member and something she hopes others will continue to find during her administration.
Her commitment to youth involvement extends far beyond DAR alone. Katie has also been deeply involved in the Children of the American Revolution since 2008 and remains an active senior leader today. When her own children were born, introducing them to lineage organizations and patriotic service became a natural extension of family life. Her children were entered into C.A.R. through their paternal grandmother’s patriot lineage connected to the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone.
Balancing family, career, volunteerism, and leadership is no small task, yet Katie approaches each role with energy and authenticity. Professionally, she works in healthcare information technology, while also volunteering in her children’s classrooms, teaching Sunday school, supporting scouting activities, and playing viola in church orchestra and DAR musical groups.
As Arizona DAR begins this new administration, Katie’s story serves as a reminder of what makes the organization special: one invitation can change a life. A first conference can become decades of service. A mentor can inspire future leaders. And an organization rooted in history can continue to grow through friendship, family, patriotism, and purpose.
This blog will share stories from across Arizona DAR throughout the coming years, highlighting service projects, historic preservation efforts, education initiatives, patriotism programs, member achievements, and the people who bring them to life.
Under Katie Paulsen’s leadership, Arizona DAR begins this new chapter grounded in tradition while embracing the opportunities ahead. We invite you to follow along as we celebrate the work of Arizona’s Daughters and continue honoring the ideals of service, education, patriotism, and historic preservation for future generations.