Karen received her Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Virginia Tech and is a former executive for pharmaceutical research and development. She continues to guest lecture at Washington University for senior biomedical engineers and to partner with job seekers coming out of prison for Transformative Workforce Academy’s jobs fairs. Karen serves on the Board of the Kirkwood Social Justice Coalition and on the Kirkwood Planning and Zoning Commission, participates in Moms Demand Action and Kirkwood For Everyone, and serves on the Criminal Legal System Reform Committee for Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice. She loves to read, hike in National Parks, and travel to visit family and friends.