Her Story
About Kari
Kari Disque is a dedicated nonprofit professional specializing in grant writing, project management, public relations, and community engagement. As the Capital Campaign Coordinator at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County, she drives key fundraising initiatives and expands organizational capacity for future projects. Drawing from a strong background in homeless advocacy, Kari excels at creating collaborative spaces and advancing mission-driven causes. She has a foundational education in business management and is a deeply active community leader. Kari currently contributes to Dress for Success Bakersfield, The Plank Foundation, Bakersfield East Rotary Club, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, the Downtown Business Association, and Leadership Bakersfield (Class of 2026), while also volunteering with Flood Ministries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kari
01What do you attribute your success to?
My drive has always been strong, but raising two children gave it true purpose. I want to show them what’s possible, while modeling that no matter how tough the world gets, kindness must come first.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Above all, stay teachable. Our paths rarely unfold exactly as we envision them, and what we build years down the road often looks far different from our original plan. When you cultivate genuine curiosity and willingness to learn, you stay adaptable, and that openness is where real opportunity begins.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
In every field, women navigate an extra layer of societal expectations alongside professional ones. My advice is simple: use your voice. If a path or environment doesn't align with who you are, don't be afraid to walk away. But when you find what is right, pursue it with everything you have.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Securing funding in the nonprofit world is tough right now- everyone is feeling the strain, and politics certainly don't make it easier. But hardship also brings out the best in us. This is when our community truly shines, stepping up to the plate to advocate for one another and prove what grassroots action can achieve when people unite.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, compassion, and integrity first, foremost, and in everything you do. You have to hold yourself to the highest possible standard. Those three values anchor how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up in both my work and my personal life.
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