GCCC Alumni Spotlight: Kara Ramirez
[Garden City, KS] June 5, 2023 -- Garden City Community College athletics played a huge role in Kara Ramirez's childhood, she recalls. "As a local girl, I attended Garden City High School and my father, Leonard Hitz, was an avid BAA [Broncbuster Athletics Association] member. As early as I can remember, I regularly attended football, basketball games, etc. I recall making posters and cheering for the Busters. I remember running onto the court after games to grab player autographs and dressed in my favorite Buster logo apparel for every game."
Kara received a volleyball scholarship and played two years with Broncbuster Volleyball, earning her Associate in Arts in 1996. She said, "Reflecting back, I chose to attend GCCC because it helped shape my childhood." While attending Garden City Community College, Kara learned resilience, "When you get knocked down, lick your wounds, dust yourself off, and GET back up! You may not choose your circumstances, but you can choose your response."
After GCCC, Kara attended Park University and earned her bachelor's degree in computer based information systems and later a master's degree in finance. Kara credited GCCC with contributing to her success, "Garden City Community College gave me a foundation to jump-start my future. The supportive environment offered by GCCC encourages students to succeed."
Today Kara serves as Vice President of Operations at DRG-Diversified Restaurant Group in Kansas City. She manages day-to-day operational oversight, execution of strategic organizational vision, human resources, financial management, merger and acquisition integrations, new site development, annual budgets, and more in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Kara is also the author of Not My Secret: Triumph Over Tragedy and Shatterproof: Practical Lessons to Help Navigate Difficult Moments. Her books detail her battle with breast cancer and growing in her faith. Learn more about her books and speaking engagements through Kara's website.
When asked what advice she'd give current or prospective GCCC students, Kara said, "Learn all that you can. GCCC has much to offer, take advantage of every opportunity. The college administrators, teachers, and staff want to partner with students to assist them in reaching their educational goals, and it shows. Their approachable style invites students to participate, helping them to achieve whatever they desire." She continued, "Embrace each unique opportunity and be intentional about using this special time in your life to discover new adventures. Have fun, don't speed through this season of your life."
Kara enjoys spending her free time writing, speaking, and volunteering. She currently lives with her husband, two teenage boys, and three small but friendly dogs in Parkville, MO.
Garden City Community College is proud to have played a role in Kara's success. Make a difference for future Busters by starting your own Endowed Scholarship through the GCCC President's Scholarship Initiative!
From HERE, you can go ANYWHERE.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.