More About Your Guide
WORK
Karen has over 15 years of experience in marketing and events on the local, regional, national, and international level. Her first event position was programming after-school activities and events for at-risk youth while in college. She went on to coordinate events, sponsorships and PR efforts for music technology companies in Silicon Valley and New York City. Her dream was to bring the benefit of those experiences back to her hometown of Jacksonville, FL and make an impact on her hometown community.
She has been a key figure in many creative economic development efforts such as The First Wednesday Art Walk, Jacksonville Fashion Week, and Jax Film Festival. She has also worked with major corporations like Jeep/Chrysler and Miller Brewing Company. She is well known for her ability to produce engaging content while also creating powerful, strategic partnerships. Her aptitude, energy, and expertise provide unique opportunities and connections for everyone she works with.
Some of her of her favorite professional memories include directing news cameras for the Dalai Lama's visit to NYC, organizing Keith Richards’ memorabilia for an exhibit at The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, coordination support and panel moderation for a Shark Tank-style business pitch event for military veterans, and supporting hands-on educational events for surgeons from around the world.
She is currently a marketing coach and consultant who organizes The Women's Business Luncheon in Jacksonville, FL. This event allows women business owners to showcase their services and products while increasing their professional network and learning how to grow their business.
EDUCATION AND MILITARY SERVICE
Karen has a BA in American Studies at UCSC. She also mentored school-age children at The Boys and Girls Club before becoming a college radio DJ. Her broadcast program focused on women artists and female fronted bands. After graduating, she worked in Silicon Valley and New York City before returning to her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.
She is currently pursuing her MBA in marketing at the American Military University. She is a fourth generation military veteran and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. She and her husband both come from military families where all branches of the military are represented.
She has been described as having the heart of a social worker and the mind of a capitalist, which allows her to help you lead your purpose-filled mission.
SPEAKING
Karen has partnered with numerous businesses, organizations and events as a presenter or panel moderator including SCORE, the City of Jacksonville's Vetrepreneur Summit, Bunker Labs Muster Across America, Supporting Strategies Business Fundamentals Bootcamp, and the Women's Business Luncheon.
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