From out of the realities of abandonment by her biological mother, being bi-racial and growing up in a Black home, Katara McCarty realized early in life that the color of her skin mattered. After becoming a single mother at 19 and finding the courage to leave an abusive relationship, Katara became an entrepreneur holding leadership positions in both non and for-profit organizations.
Today, Katara is a sought-after coach, author, and podcast host dedicated to cultivating brave spaces of belonging for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC). As a Black woman, she is committed to amplifying the richness of BIWOC and their stories, while also advocating for and providing emotional well-being resources for BIWOC, through her app EXHALE.
Katara first became an entrepreneur at age 22. In 2000, she partnered with her husband to open God's House, a non-profit in Marion, Indiana, where she served as an executive and co-pastor while leading several large initiatives. During her 16 years at God's House, Katara grew the congregation to more than 600 members while simultaneously co-founding and developing Ceelelo School in Zambia, Africa, a school for children who otherwise would not have access to primary education.
Following her achievements in Zambia, Katara co-founded and directed The Center for Success, a community center for underestimated children in Marion, Indiana, which has since expanded into Detroit and Pontiac, Michigan.
Katara's not-profit work created an opportunity for her to branch into the corporate world. From 2016-2018, she served as the director of culture for Indiana-based TCC, the nation's largest Verizon Authorized Wireless Retailer. She led all of TCC's cultural initiatives for more than 3,000 employees at 1,200 store locations across 43 states.
During her professional and philanthropic work, she raised two amazing women; became a professional coach working with companies and individuals to look for opportunities where they can improve themselves and their cultures; authored Pretty Girl, a book that teaches girls what pretty really means; continuously, hosted Red Lips & Eye Rolls, a podcast amplifying the richness of BIWOC and their stories; and founded EXHALE, the first emotional well-being app designed specifically for BIWOC.
When she looks back on her work, she can recall many situations where she faced racism, micro-aggressions, and other systems of oppression. She found herself a part of sub-cultures predominantly led by white men who did not view Black women as valuable or capable of leading. She knows what it is like to be undervalued and unseen.
Katara's why – her reason for doing what she does, her purpose, her passion, and her belief – is to cultivate brave spaces where all BIWOC belong.