Apply
Apply Here

about the sowden foundation

Get To Know Us

The Sowden family has a notable 40-year history of empowering underdeveloped communities to keep pace with changing population and economic needs and growth.

Building upon this success and driving their mission to strengthen communities forward, the MK Sowden Foundation aims to enrich child and adult development through educational and community opportunities. 

Our Story

At the MK Sowden Foundation, our belief is that everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Founders, Kip and Marinelle Sowden, drew upon the communities that surrounded them growing up, as well as the success of their companies, RREAF Holdings and Gravitas, to create this initiative. Our mission is to empower individuals and strengthen communities by providing access to education and training, giving people the tools they need to succeed.

“We know that much of success comes from within, but we also recognize the importance of a supportive community. We are dedicated to being that helping hand for those in need. Let's work together to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.” ~Marinelle and Kip Sowden

Want to support the MK Sowden Foundation Scholarship? Make a donation!

RREAF Holdings & Gravitas

At our signature companies, RREAF Holdings and Gravitas, we believe that investing in development is key to strengthening communities across America. By creating affordable workforce communities and providing specialized travel and leisure opportunities, we are not only improving the quality of life for residents, but also contributing to the economic growth of the surrounding area.

Our commitment to this mission is deeply rooted in our family values. We are proud that our work aligns with the goals of the MK Sowden Foundation which seeks to make a positive impact on communities through philanthropic efforts. 

Scholarship Selection Committee

Ted Patterson

Kerry Maguire

Laurie Simmons

looking for the scholarship application?

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Through our charitable efforts, we aim to provide support and resources to individuals and communities in need. We believe that by working together, we can create a brighter future for all.

© 2025 – All Rights Reserved. MK Sowden Foundation.

Ted Patterson

With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, sales and marketing, Ted Patterson has led and mentored numerous teams to succeed and exceed their targets. 

Ted joined RREAF Holdings in 2020 where he oversees the CEO’s portfolio of special projects. 

Prior to his current position, Ted was an integral member of WeWork’s enterprise sales team, supporting San Francisco Bay Area-based companies’ commercial real estate needs on a global scale. In 2014, he joined Dropbox as part of the B2B sales team, where he helped businesses deploy and leverage the Dropbox Enterprise platform. Earlier in his career, Ted worked for Paramount Pictures in Los Angeles, spending five years in the theatrical marketing and domestic distribution arms of Paramount Studios.

Ted holds a B.A. in Government and History from The University of Texas at Austin.

In his free time, Ted enjoys spending time with his golden retriever, Minnie, traveling with friends and family, volunteer work, reading, exploring the best Tex-Mex that Dallas has to offer, and cheering on the Texas Longhorns.

Kerry Maguire

With a career that spans both fashion design and accounting, Kerry Maguire brings a unique set of skills and expertise to her current role as President of Gravitas National Title and her work in the accounting department of Gravitas Management Companies.

Before her current roles, Kerry spent over a decade in bookkeeping, including managing her own successful bookkeeping business for 12 years. 

At the start of her career, Kerry focused on fashion design. She co-founded, K-Sa-Ra, a couture fashion line that sold to specialty boutiques across the United States. The business flourished into a private label manufacturing giant named C’est La Vie that designed for multiple catalogs including Pea in a Pod, Coldwater Creek and Neiman Marcus. 

Kerry earned a B.A. in Fashion Design from The University of Texas at Austin.

When she’s not busy bringing innovation to the business world, Kerry enjoys a variety of hobbies including golf, tennis, and water skiing.

Laurie Simmons

Laurie Simmons is a seasoned professional known for her dedication to entrepreneurship and innovation. As the Director of Entrepreneurship, Commercialization, and Innovation at the Center for Innovation and Commercialization (CIC) at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), Laurie focuses on nurturing emerging businesses.

In this role, Laurie drives economic growth in the historically underserved Rio Grande Valley. She mentors entrepreneurs, with a specific focus on providing students with hands-on experiences that foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

Laurie’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship extends to her position as the Executive Director of the Rio Grande Valley Angel Network (RGVAN). Through RGVAN, she facilitates investments and mentorship for early-stage companies, contributing to the region’s economic development.

Laurie’s expertise comes from a diverse career. Her past leadership at the Tropical Texas Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization, along with her entrepreneurial journey as the owner of an award-winning advertising and public relations agency, equips her to guide startups effectively.

With a journalism and public relations degree from The University of Texas at Austin, Laurie’s education complements her professional achievements.

Home

Welcome to the MK Sowden Foundation!

Scholarship Program

Learn more about our scholarship program.

About the Foundation

Discover our story and the people behind the foundation.

Student Testimonials

Hear the stories of our scholarship recipients.

Contact Us

Have a question? Let us know!

Apply Here

Ready to apply? Click here to get started.

Renew Scholarship

Looking to reapply? Click here for the steps.
Facebook Linkedin Instagram