Maria Kim

After 13 years in the insurance industry (with her last position leading the technology division for a $400-million insurance firm), Maria made the leap from the private to the purpose sector and in 2005 joined Cara – a social purpose organization uplifting people and communities through the power of employment.

Cara helps people affected by poverty secure and keep good jobs by producing hundreds of jobs each year at retention rates over 20 points higher than national norms, and with nearly 80 percent of employed participants moving on to permanent housing in which their families can thrive. For every dollar invested in Cara’s work, $5.97 is re-invested in society over a five-year time horizon. 

Maria’s civic leadership includes service on the Cook County Commission on Social Innovation, focusing on investments in the county’s people and on inclusive employment. Her board leadership includes service with EPIC Academy, Rebuilding Exchange, Chicago Women in Philanthropy, Leadership Fellows Association, and Horizons for Youth.

She was a fellow for Leadership Greater Chicago’s Class of 2008, a 2010 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder, a 2012 American Marshall Memorial Fellow, and a 2013 TEDxMidwest Emerging Leader. Maria holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.