The FIND Design
Kara James’ story is a testament to the power of transformation, purpose, and resilience. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Kara faced significant challenges early in life—her father’s incarceration and the weight of systemic hardships shaped her childhood. As a teenager, she relocated to Tennessee, where she encountered racism and adversity that could have defined her. Instead, she chose to rise, channeling her struggles into fuel for a greater mission.
After a successful 15-year career in corporate leadership, Kara felt a deeper calling—one rooted in empowerment, healing, and justice for Black girls and girls of color. In 2014, she co-founded The F.I.N.D. (Families in Need of Direction) Design, a nonprofit organization with a powerful purpose: to create healing spaces for girls navigating systemic oppression and personal trauma. Under Kara’s leadership as Executive Director, The F.I.N.D. Design has directly impacted over
3,000 girls across schools and juvenile systems.
Kara’s work does more than provide services—it transforms lives. Through initiatives that center healing, sisterhood, emotional intelligence, and the understanding of self-worth, Kara has laid the foundation for these girls to thrive. She connects the dots between individual healing and community transformation: when Black girls are emotionally well, supported, and rooted in their power, it strengthens families, communities, and generations to come.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-james-865ba8aa/
Org website: https://www.thefinddesign.org/