“I reminisce for a spell, or shall I say think back…”

Currently, Kara has more than sixteen years of work experience in the areas of training and program management, workforce development, enforcement and implementation of equity centered laws and policies, informing her current role with The Maryland Cannabis Administration as Chief Enterprise Officer. At the Maryland Cannabis Administration, Kara develops and manages the implementation and enforcement of business licensee’s legally mandated diversity plans as well as the agency’s workforce and ancillary business development programs with an emphasis on supporting communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs.

Kara served as a research and teaching associate at The Ohio State University as well as the University of California, Irvine. After completing her degree programs, Kara served as a Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at Avila University. She was then awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Communications at her alma-mater, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Kara joined the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights in 2016 as a Civil Rights Officer, investigating complaints of discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, later transitioning to the role of Director of Education and Outreach, governing the mandated statewide sexual harassment train the trainer program, training on anti discrimination laws and best practices for equitable workplace engagement. As a member of the Commission’s executive leadership team, Kara reviewed and assessed agency functions, pending legislation, fiscal impact statements and agency-wide strategic planning.