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Kara Penn
Co-Author of Fail Better
Denver Metropolitan Area
Overview
Kara Penn is the Principal and Owner of Mission Spark, specializing in nonprofit management consulting and strategic planning. With a background in executive coaching and sustainability, she has led initiatives such as Fail Better as Co-Author and served as Co-Chair of the MIT Energy, Environment & Sustainability Working Group.
Penn holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and an MPP from the University of Chicago, leveraging her expertise to provide capacity building and training for nonprofits while also contributing to community outreach efforts.
Work Experience
Co-Author, Fail Better
2014 - Current
Speaking engagements, Workshops and trainings, customized implementation of Fail Better method and principles for companies, government agencies, non profits and philanthropic foundations.
Principal Consultant & Owner
2011
Principal Consultant & Owner providing management and strategy consulting and implementation services to mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, government entities, social enterprises and philanthropic institutions. As part of Mission Spark's work, I develop thought leadership pieces and practical tools and design and deliver trainings and workshops, executive coaching, organizational mediation, and speaker services.
Co-Chair, MIT Energy, Environment & Sustainability Working Group, MIT Alumni Association
2010 - 2015
Collaborator, Global Health Initiative/ Practicing Management
2008 - 2014
Consultant, Climate Change Collaboratorium
2007 - 2008
Consultant
2012 - 2013
The Boettcher Foundation believes in Colorado's potential and that of Coloradans.
City Climate Change Planning & Dynamic Modeling
2007 - 2008
Fair Trade Wage Guide Intern Team Lead
2006 - 2007
Fair Trade Intern
2004 - 2005
Head Coordinator
2001 - 2003
Director
2001 - 2003
Coro Fellow
2000 - 2002