Full name: Kara Falcone
Current title & company: State Director, Best Buddies Massachusetts & Rhode Island
Brief description of who you are professionally with concise accomplishments: I have been involved in Best Buddies since I was a child and my relationship with my “best buddy” inspired me to become a Special Education teacher. After a few years teaching in Chicago and Boston, I was burnt out and realized I could actually work for this organization that I’ve always loved, so here we are! I lead our amazing staff and oversee all programs and development efforts for Best Buddies throughout MA and RI. Our mission is to create more opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities, and we do that through a variety of programs for people of all ages. I’m really proud to lead such an incredible team of inclusive and talented people and really grateful that I get to wake up every day excited to go to work and able to do my part in creating the type of community that I want to be a part of – one that values people of all abilities and sees potential in every single person.
Why did you join TWToday and what are you hoping to achieve? I joined TWToday looking for like-minded, driven and compassionate women to connect with, and I was not disappointed! I am hoping that, as I continue to grow, my TWToday network will be a constant group of supporters, people to turn to for advice and women to look up to and be inspired by.
One of your most proud professional moments and what are you most looking forward to professionally the next five years: One of my most proud professional moments was mentoring a group in our internal professional development program, “Leadership Best Buddies.” Being selected as a mentor and then working with a handful of my colleagues to lead them through self-discovery, strengths-based growth and the culmination of a final project that was presented to senior leadership in the organization was such a fulfilling and inspiring experience. Over the next five years, I am most looking forward to continuing to feel more confident in my leadership and stepping into my power as a young(ish) female leader in the Greater Boston community.
What do you do in your “free” time? In my “free time,” I love spending time with family and friends, getting a bougie coffee and taking a long walk around the harbor or cozying up with a good book.
Three core values: Empathy, integrity, and sense of humor.
Fun fact: I played the French Horn growing up and got to play at Carnegie Hall!