Kara Hess (she/her/hers)

Deputy Director of Leadership Development & Events

Kara Hess joined Women leaders in Sports in October 2018. With the addition of more responsibilities and leadership programming success, Kara was elevated to Deputy Director of Leadership Development & Events in January of 2024.  Kara organizes, facilitates and conducts all National Events and education/leadership programming including but not limited to National Convention, Institutes, advancement initiatives, etc. Kara works directly with the Partnership/development team to acquire and secure new revenue, while implementing all leadership activation.
 
Prior to Women Leaders, she was the manager of education at the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). At the WBCA, Kara developed and oversaw educational programming content for all WBCA events including but not limited to Coaches’ Classrooms, online webinars, website education and the national convention hosting more than 2500 attendees. One of Kara’s favorite parts of working at the WBCA was her involvement with the membership including serving as the staff liaison for the Diversity and Inclusion committee and assistant coaches committee.

Kara received her Bachelor of Science in sports communication and a minor in integrated marketing at Ferris State University. A former two-sport student athlete, who was a four time captain in Volleyball and Basketball. A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kara enjoys spending time with the people she loves, helping others achieve their goals and if she’s not on the boat with her family you can catch her traveling the world.

Contact Kara: [email protected] | 816.389.8206