As an experienced design leader and practitioner, I’m a fierce advocate for delivering high-quality, user-centric solutions that drive meaningful outcomes.
Hi, I’m Kara.
I’m currently the Head of Product Design at Panorama Education, where I lead our talented design and UXR team focused on creating impactful solutions that empower educators and enhance student outcomes.
I’m incredibly proud of the design team at Panorama that I built from the ground up as we went through hyper growth. With nearly a decade of design leadership and management experience under my belt, I’m the type of leader who isn’t afraid to pinch hit to support my team, believes in leading with care but also push others to do their best work, and loves diving in to learn new things in Figma.
Previously, I spent five and half years at Evernote, where I led a team of product designers who were responsible for the core app experiences for both mobile and desktop.
Outside of work, I'm a mom of two young girls who inspire me daily and keep me on my toes. I’m passionate about health, wellness, and fitness, and live for time with my family and friends, sunny beach days, and all the coffee.
Work Experience
Head of Product Design, Panorama Education (2018—Present)
Product Design Lead, Cinch Financial (2018)
Product Design Manager, Evernote (2012–2017)
Visual Designer, Yahoo! (2011–2012)
Designer, Odopod (2010–2011)
Designer, AKQA (2009–2010)
Interactive Designer, Hunt & Gather (2007–2009)
Interviews & Talks
UX of EdTech Podcast | Applying Design Maturity to a Growing Team (2022) Listen to episode
Wired | Evernote's New App is More Than an Update
—It's a Reboot (2017) Read article
Everwise | A Conversation with Emerging Women Leaders at Evernote (2017) Read article
Evernote Blog | Kara Hodecker, "We Have to Stand Up For Each Other" (2017) Read article
Google Design Blog | Evernote: Ideas in Action Read article
Evernote Podcast | Taking Note: Episode 2 Listen
Education
Rochester Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts with Highest Honors
New Media Design, May 2007