Kara Johnson
About Kara Johnson
Kara Johnson is a Director of Sustainability with extensive experience in sustainable materials and circular economy practices. She has worked at various organizations, including IDEO and Balsam Brands, and is also a children's book author and illustrator focused on science and kindness.
Work at Balsam Brands
Kara Johnson serves as the Director of Sustainability at Balsam Brands. She has held this position since 2022. In her role, she focuses on integrating sustainable practices within the company's operations and product development. Her expertise in sustainability is instrumental in guiding the company's initiatives toward environmentally responsible practices.
Current Role at MacGuffin Planet
Kara Johnson has been working at MacGuffin Planet since 2015, where she specializes in Sustainable Materials and Circular Economy. In this role, she leverages her knowledge of sustainable practices to develop materials that minimize environmental impact. Her work contributes to advancing the principles of circular economy within the organization.
Experience at IDEO
Kara Johnson worked at IDEO for six years, from 2015 to 2021, focusing on Materials and Sustainability. Prior to this role, she held positions as Portfolio Lead for Materiality from 2011 to 2015 and as Business Lead for Asia from 2008 to 2011. Her tenure at IDEO allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable design and material innovation.
Education and Expertise
Kara Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science from Stanford University, where she studied from 1991 to 1996. She also earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Cambridge, completing her studies from 1999 to 2001. Her academic background in science and design informs her approach to sustainability and product development.
Children's Book Author and Illustrator
Kara Johnson is also a children's book author and illustrator, a role she has embraced since 2015 at MacGuffin Kids. Her books focus on themes of science and kindness, aiming to engage young readers. This work reflects her passion for storytelling and her commitment to educating children about sustainability.