Caroline Kautsire
Caroline Kautsire, She/Her, is a Malawian-born Professor of English based in Boston, USA. She currently teaches at Bunker Hill Community College, where she brings her passion for literature, writing, and public speaking to students across diverse backgrounds. Caroline holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Emerson College, a Master’s degree in English Language and Literature from Brown University and a Bachelor’s degree from UMass Boston, grounding her academic expertise in both rigorous scholarship and practical classroom experience. A twice-published author, Caroline is known for her books What Kind of Girl? and Some Kind of Girl, as well as her poetry and flash fiction that explore identity, social justice, and women’s empowerment. In addition to her literary contributions, she is an accomplished stage actress and director, earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress by the Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatres for her role as Trinculo in Shakespeare’s The Tempest and the winner for Specialty Ensemble in a Play for her role as The First Witch in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Caroline also mentors emerging writers and students through programs such as the Women’s Launch Pad at Brown University and has delivered inspirational talks on diversity, equity, and inclusion across Boston-area institutions. Beyond her teaching and writing, Caroline is a recognized public speaker and community advocate. She has recited poetry at significant events, including the 2020 Black Lives Matter Peace Vigil in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and has been a keynote speaker for the African Young Scholars Summit, inspiring over 240 young professionals. Caroline is also the Founder and President of The Caroline Kautsire Scholarship Program which provides educational pathways for deserving students from Malawi. Her work and achievements have been featured in publications such as The Boston Globe, The Patriot Ledger, CBS Boston, and WCVB Chronicle, establishing her as a dynamic voice in both the literary and academic communities.
• Brown University - MA
• EMACT Dash Award for Specialty Ensemble in Shakespeare's MacBeth
• Women's Launch Pad at Brown University
• The Caroline Kautsire Scholarship Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my early experiences growing up in Malawi, Africa, where I began attending a boarding school called Kamuzu Academy for high school at the age of nine. Being advanced beyond my peers in elementary and middle school, I was placed in an environment that challenged my intellect and nurtured my potential from a very young age. This early opportunity to engage with rigorous academics and independent learning laid the foundation for my growth, resilience, and lifelong commitment to education and personal excellence.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I am capable of achieving anything I set my mind to. Growing up quickly and facing challenges early in life taught me the importance of determination and focus. Embracing that mindset, I have become an accomplished writer, authoring two books, What Kind of Girl? and Some Kind of Girl, and I am currently working on my third, My Story Through the Screen, continuing to share my journey and inspire others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to boldly follow your dreams. Believe in your abilities, stay committed to your goals, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Pursuing your passions with determination and resilience can open doors to achievements you may never have imagined.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is securing resources to support young Malawian women and men in achieving their educational goals. I am actively seeking partnerships and sponsorships to help provide tuition assistance for boarding school, ensuring that talented and motivated students have the opportunity to pursue higher education and reach their full potential.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are a deep respect for life and a commitment to education. Having benefited from the generosity of a sponsor who supported my own schooling, I am passionate about giving back. Through my Caroline Kautsire Scholarship Program, I am now paying it forward by helping other young girls and boys with their education costs, empowering them to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.