After receiving her BS degree in Textiles and Consumer Economics from the University of Maryland, Karen managed fabric stores for 7 years and found the human factor to be the most interesting and rewarding part of her retail experience. She then moved into the corporate world and focused on Human Resources, holding various positions for a hospital system, as well as General Electric.

Currently, Karen runs the Community Health Initiative program for Huntsville Hospital, a program that takes healthcare outside the walls of the hospital by providing grants to non-profit organizations focusing on addressing the unmet needs in the community.

She has been an active participant in the More To Life program since 2002 serving as a team member for the basic weekend program, Way of a Warrior and two of the advanced residential programs. "It has been a very rewarding way of giving back to the program that has had such an impact on both my personal and professional life."