Maria S Kim

After 13 years in insurance, Maria Kim joined Cara Collective - a Chicago-based social enterprise engaging job seekers, employers, and community partners to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. Cara has helped people secure over 12,000 jobs, with permanent placements at retention rates over 20 points higher than national norms, and with 80% of employed participants transitioning into permanent housing in which their families can thrive. Maria serves on the...See more

After 13 years in insurance, Maria Kim joined Cara Collective - a Chicago-based social enterprise engaging job seekers, employers, and community partners to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. Cara has helped people secure over 12,000 jobs, with permanent placements at retention rates over 20 points higher than national norms, and with 80% of employed participants transitioning into permanent housing in which their families can thrive. Maria serves on the advisory boards of the First Women's Bank and the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab. She is a 2008 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow, a 2012 American Marshall Memorial Fellow, a 2018 Vital Voices Global Ambassador Mentee, a former co-chair within Chicago Mayor Lightfoot's 2019 transition team, and a 2020-2021 Presidential Leadership Scholar. Maria holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. At the time this book went to press, Maria was - like the participants Cara Collective has the honor to serve - in her own transition, about to step into a new role as President of REDF - a venture philanthropy in the mission of advancing the field of employment social enterprise. She attributes much of her career growth as a leader to the Cara Collective community, where she knows deep in her heart she found her own voice and vocation. See less