Kara Yermak
Board of Directors
Kara is a champion for individuals with developmental disabilities ever since her son, Jensen, was born in 2016 with Down syndrome. Sadly, he passed away shortly after being born. Kara’s life was transformed after his passing and she has become a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities.
She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan. She was appointed on MSU’s President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, and advised the president on university policies, programs, and procedures affecting persons with disabilities in the university community. She also independently organized a 321 Miles for 321 Smiles fundraiser to promote individuals with Down syndrome and to show others that individuals with Down syndrome are more alike than different.
Her position on the Board of Directors for Mi Work Matters now allows her the opportunity to uniquely blend her educational background in human resources with her passion for advocating individuals with disabilities. Her goal is to enable those with different abilities with strategies needed to fulfill their employment goals.
Kara has worked for Michigan State University for 15+ years and is currently the Director of Academic Human Resources. She has a BA in psychology and an MHRLR; both from Michigan State University. She enjoys arts and crafts and keeping up with her young and energetic daughter.