Karen McClard
Program Coordinator
Hometown: Fayetteville, AR
Briefly describe your role:
I am the coordinator of the Personal Wellness initiative of Light House Solutions, Inc. The goals of that pillar are Menstrual Equity, Empowerment through Education and Providing Products to address Period Poverty. I collect, pack, and distribute products and other health care resources for those experiencing Period Poverty. Additionally, I coordinate period product drives and educate others about the topic of Period Poverty. As well as being "feet on the street"; I speak in spaces to those who have the resources to make a difference.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: In some ways, holding sacred space for others to tell their story and empowering others has been the thread of my life's work. Connecting others with vital resources is also part of that thread. However, I never dreamed that period products would be such a big part of my every day life.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: I have witnessed the reality of the struggle of not for profits to sustain. The struggle is greatly increased when the executive director is a black woman. The greatest challenge is thriving rather than surviving. The greatest opportunity is to make a difference in the life of others. Little things make a big difference----a tampon or pad allows someone to go to school, to participate in sports, and improves their physical and mental health.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: I have been inspired by so many in my life it is difficult to name them. I am most inspired by those who overcome personal obstacles to courageously use their own story and healing to make a difference in the lives of others.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: "Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Thurman
Q: What's been the secret to success?
A: In my opinion, it is doing the inner work to know yourself. Only when one knows themself can they begin to flow through their lives in such a way that their lives and the work that comes through them makes a difference in the world.
