Empowering Change: The Inspiring Journey
Meet Kara. We are thrilled to share her inspiring story and more about her role as the Senior Administrator (Secretariat & Policy) with the Office of the Deputy Governor. As a multi-generational Caymanian, Kara embodies the rich cultural heritage of her islands, and brings a heartfelt Caymanian spirit to her work. Her honest and upfront personality, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit, not only drives her career but also inspires those around her.
Impacting the Community
Kara provides critical strategic, administrative, and operational support to various boards and committees, including the Cayman Islands Independent Monitoring Board, Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy and Audit & Risk Assurance Committee. While these roles may sound formal, Kara approaches them with a genuine passion for making a difference. She manages meeting preparations, tracks compliance, and implements data-driven dashboards to ensure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
In addition to her primary duties, Kara has made significant contributions across various functions within the Office of the Deputy Governor. She oversees the delivery of the Board Good Governance and Legislation training programme, which is provided to public boards and committees. This training promotes and introduces members of these public bodies to best practices in governance and legal frameworks, with a special focus on the Public Authorities Act. Kara also plays a key role in supporting the Strategic Reforms Implementation Unit’s Professional Certification Programme. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of civil servants across the entire organisation in key areas such as project management, business case writing, and change management. Furthermore, she provides assistance to Caymanians stranded abroad through the provision of effective and compassionate support in the face of the unique challenges these cases present.
“What I love most is the meaningful impact of my work,” Kara shares. For her, the benefits and positive outcomes for the community far outweigh the heavy lifting involved. She thrives on knowing that each project she works on contributes to something bigger – a stronger, more vibrant Cayman Islands. “Seeing the positive changes in our community keeps me motivated,” she says with a smile.
Kara’s enthusiasm is contagious. She often draws inspiration from her colleagues and fellow civil servants, who share her commitment to serving the community. “When I see others stepping up to make a difference, it inspires me to push my own boundaries,” she reflects. It’s this spirit of collaboration and mutual support that Kara cherishes most about her role in the Cayman Islands Civil Service.
Journey of Growth
Kara’s journey to her current position spans over a decade of diverse experiences in project management, enriched by a continuous thirst for knowledge. She began her career in the Civil Service as a Graphic Designer, where she managed a variety of projects across government entities. This creative foundation set the stage for her later work, where she could blend her artistic flair with strategic thinking.
Her secondment as Project Coordinator for the Celebrate Cayman initiative was a turning point. Here, she honed her project management skills while leading high-profile cultural initiatives, including the royal visit of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. “That experience taught me the importance of cultural representation,” Kara says. “I made sure that true Caymanian spirit came through in everything we did.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kara was seconded to the Strategic Reforms Implementation Unit (SRIU) as a Project Manager. This role was both challenging and rewarding; she played a vital part in the Travel Cayman Programme, overseeing travel authorisations and quarantine arrangements, and the Border Reopening Programme which earned her a Certificate and Badge of Honour. “It felt amazing to contribute to the safety and well-being of our community during such a difficult time,” she recalls.
After the pandemic, Kara was confirmed as SRIU’s Project Manager, where she managed crucial initiatives like the Professional Certification Programme, assisted with the Child Safeguarding Review and the Anti-Gang Strategy. Her outstanding contributions were recognised with the Chief Officer’s Choice Award in August 2023, a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Preparation for the Journey
Kara’s preparation for her roles has been both formal and experiential. Before her initial secondment, she earned a Master’s in International Management from the University of Liverpool, which provided her with a solid foundation in strategic thinking and management principles.
She has participated in various programmes, including APM Project Management Qualifications, Business Case Development, Change Management, P3O and Agile PM to name a few. These experiences not only equipped her with technical skills but also reinforced her belief in the importance of adaptability and resilience.
“In this field, you have to be ready for anything,” she explains. “Every project presents new challenges, and embracing those challenges is part of the journey.”
Key to Success
Kara attributes her success to her commitment to continuous learning and her ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders and colleagues. Her honest and upfront nature allows her to connect with others genuinely, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
As a mother and wife, she finds balance in her life by drawing inspiration from her family and her community. “Being a part of the Civil Service allows me to contribute to a better future for all Caymanians,” she says. “I knew I had a lot to offer, and I wanted to make a difference.”
Kara believes that adaptability, responsiveness, and a focus on high-quality outcomes have been central to her achievements. Her journey has been enriched by the collaborative environment of the Civil Service, where she has learned from colleagues and mentors who share her values.
Advice for Aspiring Civil Servants
For those considering a career in the Civil Service, Kara offers this encouragement: “Embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. It’s a unique platform to serve the community and develop professionally.” She emphasises that every role contributes to the greater good, and qualities like patience, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit are essential for success.
With great pride she adds, “it’s incredibly rewarding to know that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”
Kara’s story is a testament to the impactful work that civil servants do every day. Her journey reflects the spirit of service that embodies the Cayman Islands, and her commitment to her community will undoubtedly inspire future generations.
