Check Out Kara Williams’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Williams.

Hi Kara, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts when I graduated high school at 16. I started my own business Tender Shoots Babysitting and worked full-time. Being a self-made entrepreneur was fun and I had excellent clientele in both Rutherford and Davidson counties; however, I wanted a career with more pay and benefits.

After getting a job at a local OB-GYN as the Front Desk Receptionist, I discovered my love for accounting. Our insurance/billing specialist worked with me patiently and answered every question asked. She offered me a glimpse of how billing processes worked, the patient’s portion based on insurance, what coding satisfied the insurance companies’ requirements, and why. After working there for a year, I decided to go to school for accounting in the fall of 2020.

Currently, I am a junior accounting major at Lipscomb University with a minor in International Business. The College of Business helped me become a great leader and businesswoman. On top of maintaining a high GPA, I successfully completed three accounting internships and signed contracts for three more! My work experience and personal brand are strong through hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn. Furthermore, my devotion to excellence resulted in my appointment as president of the W.E.B. Du Bois Intercultural Honor Society (IHS) and The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) academic honors societies! Through these societies, I serve Lipscomb students and give back to the Nashville community.

Members cultivate their own personal brands, learn professionalism, grow their leadership skills, and increase their cultural awareness as honor members. We incorporate service opportunities into our chapter calendars every month as well! The Nashville Rescue Mission, HopeKids of Middle TN, The Salvation Army, and Churchwell Elementary, are only some of the organizations we serve. My life at Lipscomb University and in the professional community of Nashville is extremely rewarding and truly a blessing. I am where I am today because of the Lord, my family, Lipscomb University, and my drive to succeed and excel.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am grateful for a bumpy road because it made me stronger. Two significant struggles almost hindered my way, but by His grace, I have overcome them. The biggest hindrance is my health. I have Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. I started dealing with these illnesses in late 2019 right after my twentieth birthday. My diagnosis didn’t come until early 2020. Surviving during that time, trying to ignore the stigmas and enduring ridicule from some family members was almost too much. When I started school in the fall of 2020, I stepped out in faith determined to pursue my dream despite my illnesses.

The second struggle is the reason that I chose Lipscomb University. An old family friend heard that I was looking to start college and he recommended Lipscomb from a personal connection with the university. He promised to absorb the expense through his connections at Lipscomb. My only job was to work hard and make good grades. Enrolled with 18 credit hours and two on-campus jobs that I sought out, I worked extremely hard my freshman year despite my illnesses.

Sadly, in November 2020, he ghosted me and took all hope of financial assistance from him away. A $25,000 bill forced me to seek emergency help from family members and friends. Miraculously, I found help elsewhere and continue my schooling at Lipscomb today. These struggles were difficult at the moment and I carry fragments of their presence today; however, I overcame and continue to fight every day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In preparation for the world of business, my work consists of school and internships. Networking, making good grades, and excelling in each internship role is my focus. Accounting is my specialty and has allowed me to work in three great intern positions so far: accounts payable at Fellowship Bible Church, within the audit department at the State of TN, and as a professional tax intern at LBMC.

I am most proud of the impressions I leave within my professional circle. Being hardworking, diligent, kind, competent, possessing great technical and accounting skills, and having a positive presence are some of the qualities that I am known for.

I believe that these qualities, my personal brand, and my joy for learning are what set me apart from others.

We all have different ways of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is the accomplishment of ongoing growth. I believe you can never really achieve “success” because it is a continual process.

I am successful every time I leave a positive impression, when I learn and apply a new concept, finish a college course, work well with a team, or network effectively. Success is waking up each day, learning something new, and doing what you love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_rwilliams/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawilliams22/