Cara joined Vanderbilt in November of 2022. In her role, Cara works with government and community partners to develop strategic partnerships for collaborative research and innovation opportunities.
Prior to joining RDS, Cara worked for U.S. Congressman Jim Cooper where she was the director of federal grants and community engagement liaison. She also served as communications director, director of research, and senior policy advisor for the congressman.
Previously Cara worked for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation where she founded and served as executive director of the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that supports educational programs, health initiatives, and special park projects to preserve, protect, and enhance Tennessee State Parks.
She also served as the director of community relations and advocacy for Conexión Américas, a nonprofit organization that promotes the civic, social, and economic advancement of Latino families in Middle Tennessee. In her role she focused on fundraising, including leading a multimillion-dollar capital campaign for the Casa Azafrán Community Center.
Cara received a B.S. in Human and Organizational Development, Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness from Vanderbilt University and a M.A. in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies from the George Washington University.