Alumni Award Recipients

Kara Bobroff
Zia Award, 2010

Some people have vision and don’t act. Others act but don’t have vision. Kara Bobroff is a visionary who acts. She makes good things happen.

About 10 years ago, a group of Albuquerque educators, parents, professionals and leaders had a bold vision: a school that prepares Native American kids for college and life. From that vision, with Kara as founding principal, the Native American Community Academy became a reality.

Sixth through 12th graders at the APS charter school take a college prep curriculum, perform community service, and have the opportunity to learn Tewa, Navajo, and Lakota, as well as Spanish.

Kara says the school’s strength comes from the community. Volunteers – including UNM students -- tutor, coach athletics, give lectures, help with the annual powwow, and serve on the governing council.

Kara, who is Navajo and Lakota, earned a bachelor’s in education, a master’s in special education and an education specialist degree in educational administration at UNM. A Danforth Scholar, Kara worked in middle schools in APS, on the Navajo reservation, and in California.

In 2005, Kara received a fellowship from Echoing Green for her leadership with NACA. Echoing Green is a nonprofit organization that provides seed funding and support to individuals and organizations around the world for creating innovative social programs.

Her recognition from Echoing Green attracted the attention of the Obama administration. When President Obama opened the Office of Social Innovation in June 2009, Kara was one of 100 guests invited to attend a celebratory dinner at the White House.

As you might imagine, numerous professional associations and boards – from Harvard’s Urban Principals Center to the New Mexico Native American Soccer Organization – have sought after Kara for her insight and advice.

When Echoing Green asked Kara for advice for others starting a social change organization, she responded with words pertinent not just to social entrepreneurs but to her students and all the rest of us:

Go with your gut and what your heart tells you - your vision for change. Be organized, plan and assess your progress. Find those who share your dream and vision. Always remember who you are and what you are about; the rest will come with time. Life is sweet. Patience, perseverance, dedication, family, and good friends will see you through.

Kara, not just for the gift you’ve given Native American kids and all of us in Albuquerque, but for being who you are, we’re delighted to give you our Zia Award this morning.