Kari Clark serves as Director of Principal Gifts at Gustavus Adolphus College. Prior to this position, she was the Director of Development at the Foundation of Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. Her education includes a B.A. degree from Gustavus, and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. She was admitted to the Minnesota State Bar in 1995.
Kari is a member of the Minnesota Planned Giving Council and has served on the Council’s Conference Planning Committee. At Gustavus, Kari is also on the national alumnae advisory committee for Gustavus Women In Leadership.
Why did you decide to get involved in GWIL?
I am interested helping to advance the connections (alumnae to alumnae, alumnae to students, alumnae to the College) that help women move forward with their professional and personal aspirations. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with students and alumnae in shaping this exciting program. GWIL is an opportunity to engage alumnae with their alma mater too.
What is the best piece of advice you can give students that can help them develop their own leadership skills?
I love Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” for her advancement of the conversation. Not everything she suggests works for everyone but I love that she invites the conversation and challenges us in our own leadership development to stick up for ourselves and be courageous in setting and going for our goals.