Kara Abrams is a lifelong Merton resident, born at St George’s Hospital, raised in Mitcham and South Wimbledon and currently lives Abbey. Educated at Liberty Primary and Ricards Lodge High School, her sense of identity was shaped by local community life. Public service runs in her family her parents were Merton councillors, and her grandfather, Joseph Abrams, was the borough’s first Black Mayor of Merton. Kara now channels that legacy into her own work in local politics.
Her community commitment began with youth work. As a Team Leader for AFC Wimbledon’s NCS programme and now a youth leader at her church, she supports young people to grow in confidence and leadership. She also volunteers with local food banks and charities such as Positive Network, deepening her understanding of the challenges residents face, from the cost of living to accessing opportunities.
Kara is a strong advocate for public services. Living with disabilities, she holds deep appreciation for the NHS and has fundraised for St George’s Hospital Charity, contributing £499 for paediatric care.
She holds a Master’s in International Finance and Political Relations from Loughborough University and has gained hands-on political experience as a Parliamentary Assistant during MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy’s reparations conference. As Youth Officer for Wimbledon CLP, she amplifies young people’s voices and supports grassroots campaigning.
Professionally, Kara has developed skills in project leadership, continuous improvement, and customer success expertise she brings to her community work. Outside public life, she enjoys singing, the gym, and time with her cat, Benny.
Active across local campaigns and borough initiatives, Kara is committed to protecting public services, tackling the cost of living, and addressing the housing crisis. Her vision is a fairer, greener, more connected Merton built for and with the residents who call it home, like her.