Kara teaches high school, cares for her sister with special needs, and took care of her mother with Parkinson’s disease.
“Women like her are the steel backbone of our country.”
– Mary Kate Sullivan, nominator
Name: Kara Sullivan
Age: 51
Birthplace: Waterbury, CT
What woman in your life has been the greatest source of inspiration to you? My mother, Maita. She raised my 5 siblings and me by herself. She has always been a model for me.
What does it mean to be extraordinary? Wow! Big question. But really, who is extraordinary. I think we impose our own judgment on who is ”extra” or “better” when really we are all doing extraordinary work. I think that so many women I know work incredibly hard, and that, to me, is extraordinary.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation of women? I view my role as a teacher, mother and community member as a model. I try to model and inspire kindness every day. I hope to inspire others to view the importance of interpersonal relationships and respect for others.
What motivates you to do your extraordinary work? I love my students! They feed my curiosity, intellectualism and desire to laugh every day. I love hearing from them after they graduate. I am continually inspired by them.
Shop Kara's sweater here!
