Kara Gardner has spent two decades writing, teaching, and leading innovative programs in higher education. She completed a Ph.D. in music and humanities and a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. She led classes on popular music, music of the Americas, music and gender, and dance history at the University of San Francisco and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In 2013 she joined the founding team for Minerva, a new university created to equip students with adaptable skills using an innovative curriculum and immersive global travel. As the owner of Kara Gardner, Learning consultant, she designs meaningful and engaging learning experiences for students and professionals.