As we near the end of February, maybe you’ve been celebrating your loved ones this month, or soaking in some Black History Month knowledge, or maybe you have been waiting for NBA All-Star weekend, hopefully, all of the above!

We are showing some love this month to one of our Project Supervisors, Dr. Kari O’Rourke out of our Kansas City region. Dr. O’Rourke is from Kansas City and received her Ph.D. in Education in 2023 from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She has been actively involved in various ministries in KC for more than 4 decades with a focus on advocacy and service to those who are resource-poor. She is the chair of the Interfaith and Ecumenical Committee at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, is a member of the Advocates of Silenced Turkey Advisory Board, and is a US Navy veteran.

Before coming to SQ, Kari was a legal assistant in immigration defense which included long hours and was emotionally taxing for her. Kari found the SQ job listing online and made an inquiry. Kari wanted a position that would enable her to complete her dissertation and other writing goals in her free time. Kari needed consistency and stability and SQ has provided that for her. When asked, why SQ? Kari’s response, “Because I enjoy it! I get to live in real-life episodes of “How Things Are Made” which I find interesting. SQ also affords me the opportunities that I need to be able to pursue my passion of volunteer advocacy work, which I take very seriously.” Kari admits, she has very high standards and holds her teams accountable while striving to do it in a way that fosters continuous improvement within each individual’s capacity. Kari’s golden rule is to treat people as she would hope to be treated, keep them safe, and keep them engaged. Kari not only enjoys what she is doing for SQ but is thankful for the job stability, I am able to continue my advocacy work. I also spend my free time volunteer-teaching ELL (English Language Learner) on weekends and preparing articles and a book for publication.

Kari’s best piece of advice to any new employee coming to SQ is to listen to understand rather than listen to respond. Attend to the details of what you are expected to understand then respond with questions and actions that lead to a greater depth of knowledge.

Though Kari has been an advocate and has seen many world issues firsthand, if Kari had a magic wand she would instill conflict resolution. She feels we need a better way of resolving disputes both in our personal lives and in the global community in which we live. “I absolutely abhor “agree to disagree” – all that does is leave the conflict to fester; we must stay at the table and work through equitable and fair solutions to our disagreements.”

Dr. Kari O’Rourke, we appreciate all that you are doing for SQ and thank you for your service in the Navy and to our country. As well as we commend you for all of your ongoing efforts to the resource-poor. Keep up the amazing work!

Do you have a favorite recipe from your childhood, a recipe for a dish that everyone wants you to bring to a pitch in, or maybe a favorite from online? We would love for you to share your special recipes with us!

Send them in to sqnewsletter@stratospherequality.com 

Inside-Out Red Velvet Cookies

Best Inside-Out Red Velvet Cookies Recipe – How To Make Red Velvet Cookies (delish.com)