Kareemah Fowler – Championing Fiscal Responsibility and Community Engagement in Education
Kareemah Fowler, the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance for the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC), shares her insights on leadership, community engagement, and personal growth in this interview session. Her dedication to public service and strategic financial management has made a significant impact on the educational landscape. Below are selected questions and Fowler's answers, offering a glimpse into her values, inspirations, and strategies for success.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?
In many ways, I did not choose this career path so much as it chose me. By virtue of my desire to do good for people and leave a profound and positive impact on my community, I naturally gravitated toward work in local government. Being a voice for those who do not have a loud enough voice in policymaking and helping others who might not know what they can do for themselves has always been vital to me.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
Working in the St. Joseph County Assessor’s Office, I saw how government policies failed regular people. Residents seeking help usually met bureaucratic barriers instead of receiving assistance. To address this, I set up information stations with documents and computers for self-service and made sure real help was available at the front desk. Changing the rules around county tax exemption status for local churches was also significant. We made it so churches only needed to file for tax exemption once unless they changed their name or sold the church, which was crucial for nonprofits relying on volunteer staff.
How would you describe your personal and professional values?
I have a people-first mindset. I believe in leading with integrity and staying mission-focused. I aim to enrich the lives of others and bring them along in my journey. Leading with empathy, by example, and practicing what I preach are central to my values. If an organization doesn’t align with my personal values, it’s not the place for me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Believe in your capabilities. Prioritize self-care. Cultivate a strong support network. Always remain true to yourself. Remember to extend yourself grace. Celebrate your wins.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the strength and resilience my children have developed to push through life’s challenges.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being?
Prayer for the spirit, family for the heart, and the gym for the body and mind. If I can’t prioritize those things, I suffer, and so does my work. Balance starts within. When not doing any of the above, I find time for just me.
What single project or task would you consider your most significant career accomplishment?
The 2020 Property Tax Referendum (to raise teacher salaries, right-size/restructure the school district, increase efficiencies across the district to realign resources and get them back into the classroom for students and their families). Also, spearheading the first-of-its-kind consolidated Regional Career Innovation Center, which will help fill the skills gap and create a workforce that is prepared for high-wage, high-demand jobs of the 21st century.
How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies?
I engage with platforms like the Wall Street Journal Women’s Group on LinkedIn, my McKinsey subscription, CNBC’s Squawk Box, and by surrounding myself with knowledgeable people in various industries of interest.
Can you recall a significant challenge or failure you faced and how you overcame it?
A recent challenge was maintaining buildings in the school district amid budget constraints. I outsourced maintenance to reduce costs and brought in expert help. Key to success was giving the project the necessary time, understanding challenges, and continuously improving benchmarks.
How do you define success?
Success for me is multi-dimensional. It’s important to see the impact of my work and to put my all into it. Simple things like spending time with my children also mark success for me. It’s about making positive changes, whether in the world or in myself, and seeing growth over time.
What is the toughest decision you've had to make in the last few months? What was the outcome? Would you do anything differently today?
Switching from an internal building/grounds maintenance model to an outsourced one was the toughest decision I've recently made. The outcome was successful, but if I could do anything differently, I would have optimized our benchmarks and developed our SWOT analyses and risk assessments more thoroughly. I would have also chosen a package that split maintenance between an internal team and the vendor’s team to mitigate risks.
How do you handle difficult clients, customers, or coworkers?
By setting clear expectations. I learned early on that while I may assume expectations are clear, they often are not unless explicitly laid out. It’s crucial to figure out how best to communicate with them clearly. Some may do better over email, others on the phone. You just have to meet them where they are and try to establish trust at the onset. Address issues ASAP, listen to their concerns, gain understanding of their interests, find common ground, provide feedback, and explore solutions together. Stick to policies and document everything. If needed, involve HR.
What do you believe are the most crucial qualities or skills a leader should possess, and how do you embody these qualities?
Having a vision, empathy, team-building skills, adaptability, accountability, the ability to make tough decisions, good communication, integrity, and grit. I embody these qualities by staying mission-focused, leading with empathy, supporting my team, and maintaining integrity in all my decisions.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Being a continual learner and seeker of feedback. Setting goals, taking on challenging assignments, self-assessing, reflecting, and tapping into mentors and a strong support network have all been key strategies.
What methods or techniques do you employ to help set achievable goals and track progress?
Every quarter, I set goals and then evaluate and assess them. I make adjustments when necessary, take breaks when needed, and do my best to reflect and celebrate wins. If I notice a sizable number of goals are not being met, I self-examine to determine if there's an underlying personal obstacle.
Why is your city a great place to live and work?
South Bend is a Beta City, big enough to try new things and see if they work, yet small enough to reverse course if needed without too much disruption. The city's resilience and legacy, along with its renowned colleges and universities, make it a great place to live and work.
Do you have any hobbies or interests? How do you like to spend your free time?
Interior design and dance are my first loves. In my free time, I enjoy engaging in these activities and finding moments for myself to decompress
Please share a quote that you have found particularly meaningful or inspiring.
"To whom much is given, much is required." Inspired by my father and Luke 12:48.
Final Thoughts
Kareemah Fowler and her dedication to public service, strategic financial management, and community engagement has significantly impacted the South Bend Community School Corporation and beyond. Her insights on leadership, personal growth, and overcoming challenges offer valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to make a difference in their community. Through her work and personal philosophy, Kareemah Fowler exemplifies the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. As she continues to champion fiscal responsibility and community empowerment, her contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
