About Karen

I am working toward a world in which all people can thrive. My work focuses on collaborating with others to create communities devoted to ending gender-based violence and I have been at this for thirty years.

In 2007 I joined the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence as its Executive Director. I have been privileged to have worked with organizations and coalitions in the movement to end gender-based violence throughout the United States and Europe. I am an alumna of Move to End Violence, a 10-year project designed to create new approaches to addressing gender-based violence. My work allows me to deeply explore the synergies that arise when people join together in coalition, when organizations adopt transformative practices, and when organizations and people actively engage in power sharing and trauma healing.  

In the 1980’s I worked at the Chitra Lane School for children with developmental disabilities in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where I was first exposed to authentic leadership and transformation. I hold a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in Environmental Policy and Analysis and I earned my Master’s Degree in Political Science with a certificate in Public Administration from Ohio University. My core value is love; my gift is aspirational affirmation; and my core strength is space making.

Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence is a statewide non-profit 501c3 corporation which was created in 1986 to represent the needs and interests of our Member Organizations – local domestic and sexual violence agencies. We support our Member Organizations and their work with survivors of domestic and sexual violence through policy change, training and technical assistance and large scale social change efforts.

We imagine a world free of oppression where actions, beliefs and systems support all people to thrive.   A world where all people contribute their talents and energies to building a liberated world, in which all people were valued and where we all believe in the full potential of each person.