Her Story
About KaRie
KaRie Jorah serves as the Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College of Education at Wayne State University in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. She has been in this role for a year and a half after spending five years as a certification officer in the college, where she managed student teacher certifications for the state of Michigan. Prior to that, she worked for seven years in the university's special events department, which led to her transition into academics 13 years ago. KaRie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan in 1996. She is involved with the Pancreatic Cancer Network and the Wayne Women's LEAD network, and as a recent breast cancer survivor she actively supports other survivors. KaRie attributes her success to the strength she developed after losing her spouse suddenly 12 years ago, and she values respect, honesty, and trust in both her personal and professional life. She advises young women entering the field to remember who they are, make their own path, and shine regardless of their position.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with KaRie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strength I've shown and endured in the last 12 years after losing my spouse suddenly. When your entire world is rocked in 30 minutes, you find a strength you didn't know you had. I pulled that strength out of me and just keep getting up every morning trying my best to be the best that I am. The loss took me to a place I didn't know I could be.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received last year was to always remember to shine no matter what position I'm in. Just because you're someone's assistant doesn't mean you need to be in the backlight. It's okay to be a leader and be in the spotlight. I was inspired at a Women's Network conference and realized I can shine where I'm at.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell a young female entering this line of work to always remember who she is first and foremost. This field can make you forget who you are. Come in knowing you're here for a specific reason and never let someone take that from you. Make your own path. The road has curves for a reason. You can make a U-turn at any point. Just stay on your road, the one that's best for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is not getting burnt out and trying to keep work life somewhat separate from home life. My mind is always going. It's tricky because I'm always thinking about work. It's no different than running a household with children. Being an assistant at this level requires keeping myself grounded at home and remembering to take care of myself, especially as a woman of a certain age dealing with life in balance and hormones.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect, honesty, and trust are the values most important to me in my personal and professional life.
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