Leader Spotlight - Karina Harty-Morrison

Our Leader Spotlight includes advice and insights from our clients and friends. It is our pleasure to shine the light on leaders who inspire growth, collaboration, and impact.

Meet Karina Harty-Morrison, Associate Director of Community Programs, Community Refugee & Immigration Services

Most important lesson you’ve learned about building and leading a team:

“As a mission driven, people centered organization, we are humans serving humans which adds beautiful layers of complexity and opportunity. Practice kindness in leadership, which resonates throughout the team as we face successes and challenges together. Be honest and transparent, respecting each team member's important role in our work. Value the voices of constituents who guide our work and bring our mission to life.”

Advice for leaders who want to create a workplace where people can flourish:

“The people within our organization are our greatest strength, bringing valuable and diverse lived experiences that positively impacts our agency's mission. Create a culture that builds on team member strengths and experiences. Encourage idea sharing, celebrate curiosity, respect differences of opinions and practices, and listen to employee and constituent feedback.”

Helping people grow and succeed in their roles:

“Encourage people to explore how they would define growth and success in their role, providing support and resources in the journey. In the human service field, where boundaries may be more difficult to define which can lead to burnout, prioritize flexibility within position, self-care and community care opportunities, continuing education, and spaces to celebrate ‘wins’ while building positive human connection.”