KARLA RADKA

PRESIDENT & CEO, SENIOR RESOURCE ALLIANCE, ORLANDO

For six years, Radka has led SRA in its mission to help thousands of older residents in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Brevard counties age in place. During that time, Radka has mobilized 60 employees, hundreds of volunteers and a large network of nonprofits to assist thousands of seniors and their families annually by providing a vast range of resources, including meal assistance, Medicare counseling, affordable housing options and scent evidence kits for missing person searches.

EDUCATION: Rollins College (MS, MBA)

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: To be in the air is to see the world through new eyes, which is why I’d opt to be a pilot.

MENTEE IMPACT: I previously worked one-on-one with an individual who faced career obstacles due to being over 50 years old, but together we broke down that wall and found success.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: Whether it’s in the workplace or at home, I cherish growth and what it stands for. This understanding is what drives me to spend hours growing and nurturing various herbs in the comfort of my garden. The process of digging, watering and weeding over a period of several months isn’t easy work, but once the plants I’ve worked tirelessly for begin to sprout, I’m overcome by a sense of accomplishment.