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Kareemah Fowler, the assistant superintendent of business and finance for the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC), is a dynamic leader with a proven track record in public service and financial management.
With over 15,000 students and more than 1,200 educators under her financial stewardship, Kareemah Fowler plays a pivotal role in ensuring fiscal responsibility while delivering high-quality educational services. Before joining SBCSC, Kareemah served as the 22nd city clerk for South Bend, receiving the Key to the City in 2019 from former Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Beyond her professional achievements, Kareemah mentors young women, serves on multiple boards, and is an advocate for community-driven initiatives.
In this interview, Kareemah Fowler shares her insights on leadership, community involvement, and the challenges of maintaining balance in a demanding role.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in public service and financial management?
In many ways, I didn’t choose this career path, it chose me. From a young age, I was driven by a desire to help others and leave a positive impact on my community. Working in local government has allowed me to be a voice for those who often don’t have the platform or resources to advocate for themselves. Being able to affect meaningful change and help others navigate complex systems has been a driving force in my career.
Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?
One of the most defining moments in my career was my time working in the St. Joseph County Assessor’s Office. I saw firsthand how difficult it was for people, especially minorities, to navigate government systems and get the help they needed. There were so many bureaucratic barriers that left people feeling frustrated and helpless. I worked hard to rise to a position where I could make real changes. One example was changing the rules around tax exemption status for local churches, which removed an unnecessary yearly burden for many nonprofits that couldn’t afford the penalties for missing paperwork deadlines. It was a small change, but it had a big impact on these organizations, and that’s when I knew this was the work I was meant to do.
How would you describe your personal and professional values?
At my core, I have a people-first mindset. I believe in leading with integrity, empathy, and a mission-driven focus. My goal is always to enrich the lives of others and bring them along on my journey. I stand by my beliefs, and if an organization’s values don’t align with my own, it’s not the right place for me. I’m committed to being a role model, practicing what I preach, and ensuring that my actions reflect my values.
What advice would you give your younger self?
The advice I would give my younger self is to believe in your capabilities. It’s easy to doubt yourself when facing challenges, but confidence in your abilities can take you far. I would also stress the importance of prioritizing self-care and cultivating a strong support network. Lastly, I would remind my younger self to celebrate wins, both big and small, and to extend grace during difficult times.
What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of the strength and resilience that my children, Kashlin and Franco, have developed in the face of life’s challenges. Watching them grow and thrive has been one of my greatest joys. Professionally, I’m proud of the work I’ve done in South Bend, from leading initiatives like the district’s meal distribution program to securing millions in grants and additional funding to improve educational outcomes. These achievements represent the impact I’ve been able to make, and that’s what drives me every day.
How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
I keep a balance by focusing on my spirit, mind, and body. Prayer keeps me grounded spiritually, and spending time with my family nourishes my heart. The gym is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. If I can’t prioritize these things, everything else suffers—including my work. Balance starts within, and I make sure to carve out time for myself, even if it’s just a quiet moment to recharge.
How do you define success?
For me, success is multi-dimensional. It’s about putting my all into my work and knowing that I’ve made a meaningful impact on real people. Success is also found in the little things, like watching my daughter move toward graduate school or cheering for my son when he wins a baseball game. Ultimately, success means making today better than yesterday, whether through personal growth or making a positive change in the world around me.
What challenges do you see facing traditional education, and how is SBCSC adapting to meet these challenges?
The landscape of traditional education has changed dramatically, and unfortunately, we haven’t adapted quickly enough. As a nation, we’re doing a disservice to the next generation by not pivoting to meet the needs of modern students. One exciting development is the integration of AI into education, which has the potential to transform personalized learning. We’re working on incorporating these technologies in ways that make education more adaptive, data-driven, and efficient, but much work remains to be done to fully embrace the potential of these innovations.
What are your hopes for the future of your profession, and where do you see it in 5 or 10 years?
Looking ahead, I see technology, particularly AI, playing an even larger role in education. We’ll likely see advancements in virtual tutoring, adaptive platforms, and automation, all designed to provide more personalized learning experiences. I also think we’ll face greater regulatory challenges and an increasing need for educators and administrators to adapt to these changes. My hope is that we can leverage these advancements to create more equitable and effective education systems for all students.
What advice would you give to someone seeking a career in public service or educational leadership?
First and foremost, be sure you’re in this field for the right reasons. Public service is challenging, and you need a strong personal "why" to stay committed. Patience is essential, as is resilience. Politics can make even basic tasks more complicated than they should be, so it’s important to stay grounded in your mission and focused on the people you’re serving. Lastly, seek out mentors and never stop learning—this industry changes constantly, and staying adaptable is key.
Looking Ahead
Kareemah Fowler continues to champion education, financial responsibility, and community empowerment. As she looks to the future, her focus remains on improving the lives of those around her through strategic leadership and innovative thinking.
