Karen Arter
“The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship has given me the courage and strength to step out of mediocrity. It’s a scary step, but I am so proud to be a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar, and will continue to search out new ways to make a mark on the world.”
- Program: 2008 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Herndon, VA
- Hometown: Herndon, VA
- Age: 42
- Community College: Trident Technical College
- Four-year College or University: College of Charleston
- Graduate School: Johns Hopkins University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Business, Computing / IT
- Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Honor Society, Model UN, Performing Arts / Theatre, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work
Biography
PROFILE: Karen Arter is currently a contract billing consultant at Booze Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm working with the government and public sector. Karen analyzes financial data and provides support for over 70 government contracts totaling more than $21 million. She placed her career on hold to start a family and become a stay-at-home mom. When her youngest child started kindergarten, she discovered that her outdated computer skills were holding her back from the job market and enrolled in a technical school. “I was afraid of failure and more afraid of being a poor example to my children.” In one year, Karen emerged triumphantly earning a 4.0 average and becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Karen received the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in 2002, which allowed her to complete her degree at the College of Charleston. The scholarship gave her the courage she needed to make the transition from Charleston, South Carolina, and pursue a career in Washington, DC.
INSPIRATION: Karen was inspired to further her education in order to attain career opportunities that concentrate on international aid and business.
ASPIRATION: Karen aspires to work in England or Australia. “I would like to pursue an M.B.A. in international business so that I will be better prepared for opportunities to travel abroad and make a difference in the world.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Karen volunteers for the Special Olympics and the American Heart Association.
ACCOLADES: Karen graduated magna cum laude from Trident Technical College and cum laude from the College of Charleston. She was a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Secretary of Beta Sigma Gamma.
INTERESTING FACT: Karen was selected to serve on a team to compete at the Harvard Model United Nations in Boston.
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