Since joining GAR Foundation in early 2025, Karen Hodge has brought her lifelong passion for education and deep appreciation for teachers to her role as the Educator Initiative Grant (EIG) Liaison. In this position, she partners with K–12 educators throughout Summit County to help bring their creative ideas to life, strengthening classrooms, enriching learning, and meeting students where they are.
With a background in teaching and a genuine admiration for those who dedicate their lives to helping students grow, Karen brings both empathy and enthusiasm to her work. In this Q&A, she shares what inspired her to pursue a career in education, and what excites her most about supporting innovative teachers. Read until the end to find out a fun fact and connection between Karen and her EIG predecessor Lucille Esposito!
Q&A with Karen Hodge
What inspired you to pursue a career in the education field?
I was fortunate from kindergarten through graduate school to have inspiring teachers. These individuals brought learning to life for me, and witnessing their joy as they partnered with their students energized me.
Can you share a memorable moment from your time as an educator (or working with educators)?
There were so many, but the one that stands out the most comes from when I was teaching public speaking at The University of Akron. One semester, a 45-year-old mom who had paused her education to raise her family entered my classroom as a freshman. On that first day, she confessed that she was convinced she would die, literally die, as a result of having to give a speech in front of a live audience. On the last day of class, she came up to me and said, “Remember I said I was going to die because of this class? Well, guess what. I didn’t die.” We both laughed and then she added, “And you know what else? I had fun.” To have played a small part in her growth was a tremendous honor.
What excites you most about working with GAR's Educator Initiative Grant program?
There is so much creativity in our schools, so much passion for student success. Having a courtside seat to the innovative ideas of educators, helping them activate those ideas, is so exciting. GAR’s Educator Initiative Grant program is making a difference, and I love witnessing the impact it is having. Plus, I feel like I’m in a unique position to be an ambassador for Summit County schools and the outstanding work being carried out by our community’s teachers.
If you could describe your approach to working with educators in three words, what would they be?
Collaborative, communicative, and compassionate
What’s one piece of advice you would give to an educator thinking about applying for an EIG grant for the first time?
You are not alone while you are pursuing an EIG. GAR Foundation offers great information on its website, and I am here to coach you through the process and answer your questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. As Nike says – Just Do It!
What’s your favorite part of the grant process: dreaming big, planning, or seeing the project in action?
If this were a multiple-choice test, I would choose "(D) All of the above."
What do you love most about working with the Summit County education community?
Seeing the commitment of educators to the young people in our county is inspiring and makes me proud to live here.
Where’s your favorite place to find inspiration in the area?
That depends on my mood. I love the hum of a busy local coffee shop, the peace of one of our community’s libraries, the lush scenery of the parks in our area, the vibrancy of an art studio, etc.
If an educator wanted to break the ice with you, what topic(s) could they bring up that you love discussing?
Their students.
What’s your go-to coffee or tea order to get you through a busy day?
Americano with a splash of half and half
If you could instantly master one skill (professional or fun), what would it be?
Playing the drums. I’ve never tried, but taking lessons is on my bucket list.
Do you have a favorite children’s book or story you loved as a kid (or still love today)?
All things Nancy Drew.
What’s one small thing that always brightens your day?
A belly laugh from a young child.
If you could spend a day shadowing any educator, past or present, who would it be?
Well, I did that. Lucille Esposito was my 8th grade English teacher whom I never forgot because of the way she taught and the profound impact she had on me as a learner. All these many years (okay, decades) later she mentored me again as I shadowed her and prepared to take up the Educator Initiative Grant torch she passed to me upon her retirement. It was a gift I never thought I would have and for which I am most grateful.
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