The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is excited to announce the hiring of Kara Mishmash as its new Program Coordinator, effective March 25, 2024.
Kara joins CFSEK and its affiliates, the Columbus Area Community Foundation, Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, and Girard Area Community Foundation, with a diverse skill set. She will be leading CFSEK’s programming efforts, which include the annual awarding of over $500,000 in competitive grants and over $100,000 in scholarships.
“We are delighted to welcome Kara to the CFSEK team,” said Devin Gorman, executive director. “Kara has a passion for Southeast Kansas, and we are confident she will do a tremendous job in furthering our already successful programming, which impacts almost every community in our region.
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About Kara
As a Southeast Kansas native, Kara graduated from Independence High School and earned a degree in Interior Design from Pittsburg State University in 2008. After some time in hotel management, Kara began working with Safehouse and served on their board.
“After seeing the good work area nonprofits do, I knew I couldn’t see myself working in any other area,” Kara said.
When Kara is not doing incredible work for Southeast Kansas, she can be found reading, drawing, painting, crocheting, or playing with her dogs. “I’m an old lady,” she said. She also enjoys hiking when she gets the chance.
When asked about her new position, Kara said, “I’m so excited to join the CFSEK team! I didn’t think learning more about the Southeast Kansas community’s capacity for giving was possible. Still, I’m happy to say that I continue to learn how philanthropic people are. I hope I never see a cap to that giving. It’s beautiful, and I’m blessed to be a part of it.”
CFSEK Impact
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas awarded over $2 million in grants from all foundation funds in 2023 and has facilitated over $23 million in grants since its founding in 2001. CFSEK serves the region by providing donors with a wide variety of charitable interests and encouraging charitable giving, which addresses present and future needs in our area.
Contact Kara
You can contact Kara here, via our website.