Kari Pardoe serves as a Program Officer at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, which strives to create lasting positive change in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. In her role, Pardoe leads the early childhood, afterschool, and youth sports and recreation focus areas. She embraces a collaborative approach, deviating from traditional grantmaking models to effectively build and support partnerships with the Foundation. Kari values the synergy between the Foundation’s three focus areas, recognizing how their integration enhances overall impact in the communities they serve.

Kari is a strong advocate for youth perspectives in youth sports, recreation, and afterschool programs and works to incorporate young people’s voice in all programs she touches. She champions early childhood education as crucial elements in a child’s healthy development, advocating for easy access for all. Kari’s work centers on breaking barriers and bridging gaps for young people to develop a healthy and happy foundation for their lives.

Before joining the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Kari served as a Program Officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, supporting the development of the strategic direction for their Advancing Afterschool work. She also supported the Detroit Pistons Earlier in her career, she contributed to community and family foundations across Michigan while at the Council of Michigan Foundations. Kari holds an undergraduate degree in community and commercial recreation with a minor in business from Central Michigan University, and she earned her master of public administration (MPA) from Grand Valley State University.

A Marshall, MI native, Kari enjoys golfing, spending time with friends and family during her downtime, and passionately follows Michigan and the CMU Chippewas in sports, with football season proudly dictating her schedule.