Kara Trebil-Smith joined Seed Coalition in December 2019 as a program manager, and in the spring of 2022 transitioned to the Director of Member Services role, supporting our member-facing programs, networking events, and professional development opportunities.

She also oversees the AmeriCorps VISTA program. Kara has spent more than 15 years working in the higher education with an emphasis on community engagement. She earned a BA in Communications from Wartburg College and a Master’s in Education from the University of Northern Iowa. In 2018 she completed her doctoral degree in higher education from the University of Denver where her research focused on building the capacity of community engagement professionals to practice inclusion of racially minoritized students.

Kara’s favorite way to spend her time is cooking (when she can take her time), listening to podcasts, reading books recommended by friends and colleagues, and exploring parks and green spaces with her family.