Kara Kunkleman

Kara Kunkleman is a dynamic civic leader, a past recipient of Flint Michigan’s 40 Under 40 recognition, and the 2024–2026 President of the Junior League of Flint, where she has played a transformative role in elevating the League’s visibility, strengthening community partnerships, and positioning JLF as a driving force in Genesee County. Since joining the League, Kara has expanded member engagement, deepened collaboration with local organizations, and reinforced the League’s reputation as a trusted partner for women’s leadership and community impact. 

Kara led the creation of the Junior League of Flint’s first Menstrual Product Bank, a permanent program dedicated to addressing period poverty in Genesee County. Under her leadership, the initiative quickly scaled and now supplies essential menstrual products to community partners and nonprofits. The program provides vital resources to girls and women who might otherwise miss school, work, and daily life due to lack of access, and it is rapidly becoming a cornerstone League initiative. 

She also guided the launch of the League’s signature fundraising event, Festival of Trees, now in its fourth year. Replacing the former holiday greens sale, which generated minimal returns, Festival of Trees has increased fundraising revenue more than eightfold and now stands as one of JLF’s most visible and impactful legacy events. 

Professionally, Kara works in partnership with her mother, owner of Blondie’s Food & Spirits, Trio Tavern & Grill, and Blondie’s Best Cheesecake. She has helped shape each business from its earliest stages, overseeing hiring, training, team culture, and operational systems. Her leadership contributed to the growth of Blondie’s Cheesecake from a small in-house product to a multi-state offering distributed through Van Eerden Food Service and available in seven states. The businesses have earned multiple awards and remain committed to supporting nonprofits, youth programs, and community initiatives. 

Kara currently serves on the Flint & Genesee Young Professionals Board and Hurley Hospital’s Community Health Action Collaboration Board, and has contributed to numerous organizations and women’s leadership initiatives across the community. Known for her ability to build relationships and mobilize volunteers, Kara continues to strengthen the Flint community while inspiring the next generation of women leaders.