We asked Kara Wheeler, the Girl Power 2020 #substancefreeme Committee Chair to answer a few questions so that you can get to know her better!
She first participated in a WomenSource Power Lunch thanks to the invitation of Susan Jessup in the spring of 2015 after moving to town. She continued to attend these lunches because they were a great introduction to people and resources in the Gainesville community.
Kara joined the Board of WomenSource in January of 2019 as volunteer coordinator though she started helping in the fall of 2018 for the inaugural Christmas Promise store. Kara stated, “It’s an honor to be a part of the WomenSource organization because the variety of programs offered empower such a diverse group of women in terms of age, stage of life, career path, etc.”
“I am chairing the Girl Power Committee because I believe so strongly in the mission to empower girls in the formative middle and high school years to make healthy choices that will positively impact their life.” This year’s Girl Power event is titled #substancefree and we will delve into the reality of substance use and abuse by teenagers (particularly the rise of vaping) and leave with tools to cope with the peer pressure and advocate for better laws to protect our youth. Kara said, “It was great to see that the FDA is starting to make a change by raising the age limit to purchase tobacco to 21.” Registration is open now and we look forward to the impact this day will have on the girls and their chaperones who attend! CLICK HERE to register.
Even though she is naturally an introvert, her favorite event in the last year was the recent Speed Networking event at Tap It. “It was great to hear other women’s stories in the community and connect on a personal and professional level.”
Kara and her husband Chris have been married almost 9 years and have a 2 year old daughter. They have lived in Gainesville for almost 5 years and her hobbies include spending time with family, outdoors and baking. She has a background in Christian education from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology and Carson-Newman College and works currently as the Assistant Director of the Child Development Center at First Presbyterian Church. “It’s been a great fit for our family and allowed me to serve our church while also offering the flexibility to be a part of the WomenSource board.”
One interesting thing about Kara is that she detests glitter. “It’s too sparkly and way to messy for my taste!”