Kara Shemeth

Kara Shemeth used her 2016 Vision Fellowship award to obtain a Master of Science: Environmental Policy and Management from American Public University through its online program. Since 2021, Kara has served as the Town of Chilmark’s Conservation Agent. Previously, she was a project surveyor at Schofield Barbini & Hoehn where she worked with local Conservation Commissions and the MA Department of Environmental Protection on many projects for the firm’s clients, primarily licensing piers and docks. Kara’s participation in the Vision Fellowship program reminds her that she is part of a bigger picture, “and that with all these cogs working together we can make meaningful changes on our island that ensure sustainability. If we can successfully make changes on a small island, then hopefully all of our Island can be a template for changes in other communities and potentially our society.” Kara also serves as a lieutenant /EMT with the Edgartown Fire Department. For two years after college, Kara served as an AmeriCorps Member in the National Civilian Community Corps, where she engaged in trail building, wildfire fighting, emergency responses and other community projects. She is also the founding member and currently serves on the board of Amity Island Running Club.