Living Made Easy in Broken Arrow, OK

Job hunting can be a stressful experience. Kara Laster knew she found something special in Broken Arrow, OK, as soon as she connected with the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation (BAEDC). 

“De’Andre Fahie, BAEDC Director of Talent Attraction & Workforce Development, truly made the process easy, connecting me with Littleton Legal within one week of speaking with him,” she said. “It quickly became apparent that he and the organization wanted me to be successful in Broken Arrow.”

Laster grew up in Shawnee, OK, and had taken a job at a large firm in nearby Oklahoma City after completing her education. She earned a Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2019, preceded by a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Oklahoma State University. Like so many others, the COVID-19 pandemic was a life-changing moment. For Laster, that meant getting back to family.

“My best friend from college lived and worked in Broken Arrow and has always felt a deep connection to her hometown, so I thought it would be a great place to start,” she said.

Invigorating professional experience

Laster took a position in February 2024 as a Senior Attorney in the Business Law and Probate practices at Littleton Legal. The small, woman-owned firm appealed to her with the promise of more client interaction. “I have found the contact with small business owners to be invigorating and educational,” she said. “I have learned Broken Arrow is very supportive of small businesses, displayed in areas like downtown, where many of the businesses are locally owned.” 

Her professional life has genuinely met her expectations. The firm has allowed her to learn more about the lives of the other two attorneys while getting optimal career development assistance. Connecting with the Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce has led her to numerous events, like the Successful Women’s Luncheons. The leadership training and community mission class series helps make connections, build relationships and develop leadership skills with other Broken Arrow business leaders in the community.

Easy living in Broken Arrow

Compared to her time living in Kansas City, Laster has found living in Broken Arrow extremely convenient, with everything she needs, from the pharmacy, Target, favorite restaurant and coffee shop, just minutes away at a very friendly cost of living. 

“It's so easy to live in Broken Arrow,” she said. “There’s a tremendous amount of history at The Museum Broken Arrow Museum and so much art, from the Historic Mural "A City In Bloom” to numerous art galleries.”

Laster has also been pleasantly impressed with Broken Arrow’s social connectivity, from the large cohort of state university graduates to locals having grown up in the area. 

“Broken Arrow has a small-town feel even though it is the fourth-largest city in Oklahoma,” she said. “Everyone is very friendly, but that’s Oklahoma.”

Having grown up in Oklahoma, Laster is well aware of outdoor recreation in the state. She said the state’s east side is beautiful, defined by hilly terrain and numerous lakes.

“My favorite is Lake Eufaula, an hour’s drive south of Broken Arrow,” she said. “There’s nothing better than being on the water when the weather gets hot!” 

Full life to be found in Broken Arrow

Laster thought she might eventually move closer to family. Still, her experience in Broken Arrow has led her to believe it may be the place to stay and pursue the whole life everyone wants: the house and family - “eventually!”

Interested in learning about opportunities like Kara Laster has found in Broken Arrow? Contact the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation today to learn more, and if you are looking for a new career, review the latest job openings here.