Kyle Buthod is a visionary leader and entrepreneur dedicated to connecting people through creative expression and community service. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Rooted Conferences, a nonprofit ministry that helps college students stay connected to their faith, and the owner of two businesses: Citizens Catering and Patton Productions. Citizens focuses on food service through food trucks,cafés, and catering, while Patton Productions highlights his passion for photography and media.

 

At OSU, Kyle was highly involved in student leadership, serving as Student Body Vice President, Vice President of the Residence Halls Association, and Director of Camp Cowboy. He played a pivotal role in various campus initiatives, including sustainability efforts, scholarship programs, and the Student Union Renovation Committee. In the Spears School of Business, he served as Student Council President and participated in the design of the new business building.

 

After graduating in 2012 with a degree in International Business and minors in Mandarin Chinese and International Studies, Kyle’s career has spanned roles in marketing at Phillips 66, nonprofit work in South Sudan with Every Village, and fundraising for Wycliffe Bible Translators’ Seed Company. He also co-founded Cafeza, a popular Houston coffee bar recognized by The New York Times.

 

In 2020, Kyle fully embraced entrepreneurship and ministry, launching Citizens Catering, which has grown into a full-service operation with two food trucks, three cafés, and a catering kitchen. He is also the creator of "Come Alive," a photography project merging his love for visual storytelling and faith.

 

Kyle’s passion for travel has taken him to 50 countries, where he captures "legacy moments" through his lens. His faith, family, and time at OSU have shaped his journey, and he continues to serve as a board member of the Spears School of Business and a local OSU Alumni chapter leader in Houston.