Meet Kara! Kamloops has been her home for the last 16 years. She's originally a Northern BC girl, also lived in El Salvador and Nicaragua for many years growing up.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I'm lucky to have so many top-shelf people in my life; I couldn't possibly choose just one person!
What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
District Bicycle Co. is owned and operated by some of the best people on two wheels. They are huge supporters of grassroots riders, women in sport and give back every chance they get. Local business, local good. #shoplocal
Describe yourself in one word.
Fun.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Take me anywhere I'll happily wander, but I could see myself in the south of Spain right now.
What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Hands down cycling! Kamloops has some of the best mountain biking, road cycling, gravel riding, bikepacking, biking playground right in our backyard.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I encourage volunteers to Google themselves in the Personal Brand lesson of JABC's Economics For Success program. To demonstrate, I Googled myself in front of a large group of new volunteers, and the top search return was a KTW photo of me awkwardly doing the jig in an ugly Christmas sweater. It wasn't my most professional look, but it proved my point that first impressions matter. Luckily, you now have to scroll to find it!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
JABC surveys our alumni at the end of our business education programs. One grade 10 Kamloops student recently said "I didn't give up because of you. You're a really good person." I cried. I hope he's still fighting to achieve his post-secondary goals! Mentoring gives back so much more than you could ever put in.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
- I'm fortunate to be able to give back to my community in my personal and professional life. I volunteer as a triathlon coach with Thompson Nicola Triathlon, helping women and youth uncover their self-confidence and building community through fun with swim, bike and run. Last year, we started Champion Her, a women's triathlon team that helped break down barriers for entry into sport for Kamloops women.
- In my professional life, I coordinate business education for youth, empowering grade 5 to 12 youth with financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness programs through mentorship from volunteers from the local business community. This year, I am so proud to be piloting JABC Steminists, a hands-on entrepreneurship program to break down barriers for girls interested in traditionally male-dominated careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), business and leadership.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Change is a process, not a destination. My goal is to be the positive change in someone's life every day. But outside of that, I would totally make ice cream calorie-free, so I could spend every day at Scoopz!
Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
The vanilla vodka latte at Red Beard speaks to me on a spiritual level.
What do you think makes Kamloops great?
I've traveled all over the world, and I am always struck by how stunningly beautiful Kamloops is.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I made a short film with my unbelievably talented buddy Aly Couch. It pokes fun at all the ridiculous things cyclist do. It won the "Because Reasons" award at the KISS Festival, so not taking ourselves too seriously paid off!
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Twitter, Instagram, Champion Hercc.
What is the name of your business/organization?
JABC (Junior Achievement British Columbia) and TNT (Thompson Nicola Triathlon)
What is the goal of your business?
JA (Junior Achievement) is the world’s largest NGO dedicated to educating young people about business. We strive to inspire and prepare youth to succeed in a global economy. We partner with educators, donors, and volunteers to bring a real-world experience
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember - the only taste of success some people get is to take a bite out of you. -Zig Ziglar In my experience, those bite marks mean you're on the right path. Keep going.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It would be amazing to spend a day with the sassy and talented Jonathan Van Ness. You might know him from his fiercely fabulous hair on Queer Eye (Netflix), Gay of Thrones (YouTube) and his podcast Getting Curious (Spotify) where he somehow tackles deep social issues like racism, poverty, politics and being a gay man in America with sassiness and genuine curiosity. A day of glamming up, social activism and fun with Jonathan would be everything. Yes, honey.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I've crossed a couple of epic ironman triathlon finish lines, raised three incredibly smart and kind kids, and collaborated on unforgettable creative projects - but my proudest accomplishment is still finishing my first Olympic distance triathlon. It was the start of an addiction to the feeling you get when you accomplish something you never thought possible.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Shout out to Alia, Rohkeya, Tasia, Sarah + Madi, JABC's Steminists + creators of Recycled Sounds, an eco-friendly speaker + smartphone accessory built w/mentorship from Kamloops women in STEM. Follow these young entrepreneurs at @jabckamloops.
My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
It's blatant nepotism, but as CEO and Co-Founder of a successful local tech startup, it's totally deserved! My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is my immeasurably better half, Chris Wright.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!
