In 2016, Karen started volunteering with Cure JM after her daughter was diagnosed with JDM. Karen was a fundraising coach for the 2017 and 2018 Chicago Chapter Walk Strong events. In 2019, she received the Cure JM Hero Award for exceptional service as the Chairperson of the Chicago Walk Strong to Cure JM, which raised $135,000. Since then, Karen has served as the national Co-Chair for the Walk Strong Across America, leading the charge for Cure JM’s signature fundraising event.
Karen received an MBA from the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) and a B.A. in economics from St. Lawrence University.
Karen is a marketing and advertising professional with over 25 years of experience, working at agencies that include Leo Burnett, Simple Truth and DDM Advertising. Karen currently works as an independent marketing consultant.
Karen and her husband, Jon, live in Oak Park, IL and have two daughters, Caroline and Claire.