Operations Director
Kara is a leader recognized for achieving results with creativity, collaboration, and excellence in both nonprofit and for-profit industries. As a leader of operations, Kara is responsible for ensuring robust, efficient infrastructure and processes to allow WACIF to serve entrepreneurs in the D.C. area with excellence. This includes technology support, project management, process improvement, and business intelligence.
Kara’s background includes director-level experience in banking operations, including private-label banking and international credit operations at Barclays Inc. in the UK. She helped lead an anti-trafficking social enterprise as Executive Director, establishing projects in Ghana, Thailand, and Cambodia, offering alternative economic stability to over 100 artisans. Kara was hired by World Relief, an international development organization, to start the local refugee resettlement office out of her hometown, Akron, Ohio, where she helped resettle 400+ refugees.
She is an outstanding connector, skilled in creating partnerships across cultures and industries, and is recognized as an advocate for the customer and community. Kara is an articulate thought-leader, influencer, and public speaker, including participation in TEDx Akron, advocacy panels, and women’s conferences. She helped launch two youth girls’ programs in Akron, OH, and has served on various boards for the community.