Hi, I'm Kara!!

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHS) sought to enhance cohesiveness, acceptance, and accessibility among its employees. The primary objective was to design and deliver a comprehensive program that would foster a more unified and supportive workplace culture within the department.

• Co-developed and facilitated a year-long program in 2023, tailored to the unique needs of NDHS employees.
• Focused on building a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and accessibility.
• Designed the program to be scalable and adaptable for future use within the department and similar organizations.

• Created detailed project plans and managed day-to-day deliverables to ensure timely and effective implementation.
• Produced live events that united ERG's and managed ongoing communications to maintain engagement and accountability.
• Tracked project progress and provided regular updates to stakeholders.

• Streamlined operations and processes, resulting in a measurable increase in employee engagement and productivity.
• Developed materials and documentation to support ongoing and future program implementation.
• Provided clear reporting and analysis to NDHHS leadership on program impact and outcomes.

• Successfully delivered a year-long program that improved workplace cohesiveness through ERG unification and accessibility for NDHHS employees.
• Achieved a significant increase in employee engagement and collaboration.
• Established a scalable model for future employee development and support initiatives within NDHHS.

The NDHHS project, co-ed by Kara L. Smith, demonstrates the impact of strategic program design and effective project management in fostering a more cohesive and accessible workplace. The success of this initiative provided a strong foundation for ongoing organizational development within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

In 2024, Kara L. Smith, Principal and Founder of Lotus Lion Learning, collaborated with FLOW Lab5, to achieve strategic growth, streamline operations, and enhance community engagement. This partnership led to significant milestones, including operational restructuring, member support initiatives, and the creation of impactful resources.

FLOW Lab5 faced several challenges:

• Lack of distinction between its workflow and that of its parent company, Collaborative Flow Consulting, which hindered independent growth.
• Limited operational efficiency and community engagement.
• A need for resources to support member-led initiatives and amplify the community’s voice.

To address these challenges, Kara supported FlowLab5 to implement the following strategies:

Strategic Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Co-led over 110 weekly FLOW Lab5 meetings, attended trainings, and supported member-hosted events.
• Separated FLOW Lab5’s workflow from Collaborative Flow Consulting, enabling both entities to grow independently.
• Developed a weekly communication schedule and refined service offerings to align with strategic goals.

Project Management & Deliverables

• Managed business development, marketing, and community communications.
• Fostered sponsor and donor relationships, implemented project management plans, and developed strategic social media initiatives.
• Streamlined operations, increasing community engagement and improving productivity by 30%.

Support for Member-Led Initiatives

• Provided direct support to FLOW Lab5 members, including assisting Lisa Tulipani in refining her pitch for the “Lynnabago” project.
• Helped Lisa secure a $75,000 grant at the Northeast Arc’s Arc Tank Competition.

Media Lab & Content Creation

• Laid the groundwork for a media lab, including plans for a collaborative newsletter and podcast featuring content created by FLOW Lab5 members.

Kara's work with FLOW Lab5 achieved the following outcomes:

• Successfully separated their workflow from its parent company, creating a distinct and cohesive identity.
• Increased community engagement and operational productivity by 30%.
• Empowered members to secure funding for impactful projects.
• Established a foundation for a media lab to amplify the community’s voice and foster collaboration.

When I first started working with CoFLOW Co's, their leader was dealing with some significant organizational challenges. The workflows were disjointed, operations lacked structure, and overwhelm was in abundance due to the attempt to juggle  without clear direction. This led to stress, exhaustion, and inefficiency, making it difficult for CoFLOW Co to achieve its full potential.

Recognizing the need for support, Kara was bought in to provide calm, focus, and organization to CoFLOW Co’s operations. Together, they worked to streamline processes, clarify goals, and create a sustainable foundation for growth.

•  Operational Excellence: Streamline workflows, improve productivity, and enhance service offerings to align with strategic goals.
• Resource Development Support: Create tools like case studies and pitch decks to market programs effectively and secure funding for future initiatives.
  

• Strategic Collaboration
• Developed distinct workflows for CoFLOW Co, enabling the organization to expand and operate more cohesively.
•  Enhanced service offerings and implemented a weekly communication schedule to align with strategic goals

Through strategic leadership, project management, and operational support, I helped CoFLOW Co achieve:

• Streamlined workflows and improved productivity,
  Successful program design and delivery for state health departments,
• Development of tools to secure funding and market programs effectively,
•  Increased community engagement and leadership,
  Creation of a sustainable, scalable program for health and human services.
  

Kara's efforts not only empowered CoFLOW Co to thrive but also provide the guidance and support needed to lead with confidence and focus.