Katie Contento, Pennsylvania Theta, United States Coast Guard

After working as an engineer for more than five years, Katie Contento felt called to pursue a different purpose. Drawn to service, she joined the U.S. Coast Guard, inspired by its lifesaving, humanitarian missions and the impact it makes on local communities.  

Now an active-duty Coast Guard officer stationed in Kodiak, Alaska, Katie serves as a maritime search and rescue helicopter pilot and an aviation engineering officer, flying the MH-60T Jayhawk.  

In one of the Coast Guard’s most demanding environments, Katie and her team respond to emergencies where coordination, precision and trust are critical. “Every crew member has a role to play in ensuring the rescue is conducted safely and survivors get the care they need,” she says.  

The work, she says, can have a generational impact on the communities they serve. Yet among the crews she flies with, there is a shared humility—each mission viewed simply as the job they were trained to do. “It’s inspiring to be part of such a professional, humble crew of men and women,” Katie says.  

This summer, Katie will begin training at the prestigious U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. Though her field is male-dominated, Katie has found strength in forming authentic relationships and seeking out mentorship. “I’ve been lucky to work in units with women in leadership roles and in my peer group,” she says. “Finding mentors who advocate for me and guide me has made all the difference.” 

Katie joined Pi Phi at Villanova University because our core values felt like a natural fit—and they still resonate with her today. “The Coast Guard values are Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty, which align closely with Pi Phi’s,” she says. “Pi Phi taught me to be part of a diverse team committed to the same values and mission.” Katie’s leadership style continues to evolve, but at its core, she says, is a commitment to Integrity and authenticity. 

In her free time, she stays connected to Pi Phi by reading The Arrow and keeping up with the Pi Phi Pages Book List. “Since joining the military, I rediscovered my love of reading,” Katie says. “It’s a very transportable hobby!” 


Published May 1, 2026