Meet the Candidates: Kintae Lark, South Bend Common Council At-Large

Kintae-Lark

I am running for City Council at Large. I have a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Bethel College. I am a licensed Cosmetologist and Instructor of Cosmetology. My wife, Tanika Lark and I have been happily married for 13 years; we share one beautiful daughter Kiarah. We are proud small business owners of Inspiration Barber-Salon and Brighter Days Academy Childcare Center. At Bethel College, I was the Director of Multi-Ethnic Services; responsible for the operation of the several sub-departments within the overall youth department, educating the student body on cultural diversity on the collegiate level, while creating inclusive college community, and implementing internships for college students.

My Volunteer and Internship Experiences includes: Dare 2 Dream: The Youth Empowerment Experience, where I developed a community conference with 250+ participants, and managed 50+ volunteers. I served two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA at Charles Martin Youth Center & Grace Community Center. At the Juvenile Justice Center, I volunteered as a Probation Office Intern, at Hope Rescue Mission & Center for the Homeless, encouraged residents and mentored young men and at the Boys & Girls Club as a mentor for young men. I am also an Ordained Minister and Youth Pastor at New Horizons Outreach Ministry. My community activities have included: “Free Haircuts for Kidz”, developing community based outreach and life skills programming for youth, and motivational speaking.

My experience has taught me that we can make a difference! South Bend is a city where dreams are attainable. Our city is not just a place where we live; it is who we are. “WE are South Bend.” Let’s brag about it! Youth and Family development, Economic development, neighborhood improvement, and crime prevention are the areas of focus for my campaign. Being raised in a single family home, my experiences have taught me the value of advocating for the under-served and at-risk. “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” ― John F. Kennedy. This quote is a reminder of how we as individuals can make a difference; by devoting ourselves to the idea that if you start with a mindset of community, it will surely build a strong city. South Bend, Indiana is celebrating 150 years of family traditions, hard work leadership, creativity, and determination; with a rich history as we forge our promising future. Through consistent dedication, commitment, investment in underserved communities, and un-wavering service to the community, together we can advocate for families, support small business owners, develop our youth and have safer neighborhoods.

By supporting small business owners it will create more jobs and strengthen the local community. We will give our children something to look forward to as we set them up for success through increased parental involvement and leading by example. We will also accomplish this through intentional strategic programming in grass root initiatives within our youth/community centers, neighborhoods, churches, and resources places. I am South Bend, I will fight for you!

Meet the Candidates is a series introducing candidates in their own words. Articles are posted verbatim. South Bend Voice will publish articles for all South Bend office seekers who are on the May 5th primary ballot.

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