Kara DeFrias

Kara DeFrias is a multifaceted professional with extensive experience in design leadership, product strategy, and public service. Her career has spanned various sectors, showcasing her versatility and commitment to making a positive impact.

Professional Experience

Current Role: Kara currently serves as the Chief of Staff for the Intuit QuickBooks Platform team, where she champions the interests of self-employed individuals and small businesses.36

Previous Positions:

• Senior Advisor to 18F's Executive Director3
• Involvement with the U.S. Digital Service at The White House (as mentioned in the query)
• Worked on the Cancer Moonshot initiative with Vice President Biden's office (@VP44) and 18F5

Expertise and Contributions

Design Leadership: Kara has established herself as a prominent figure in the design leadership community. She has spoken at various conferences, including Leading Design in San Francisco, sharing her insights and experiences.16

Pro Bono Work and Education:

• Provides pro-bono product strategy for non-profits
• Taught human-centered design to micro-entrepreneur women in rural India
• Guest lecturer at UC San Diego1

Public Speaking and Knowledge Sharing: Kara has been featured in podcasts discussing her career journey, experiences in changing careers, and her work on cancer-related initiatives.24

Career Evolution

Kara's professional journey is marked by significant transitions and diverse experiences:

• Started her career as an instructional designer
• Transitioned through various roles in design and leadership
• Worked in both public and private sectors, including government initiatives and tech companies24

Kara DeFrias's career exemplifies a commitment to leveraging design and technology for social impact, combining her skills in design leadership with a passion for public service and innovation.