Hi, I’m Karen.

A sociocultural anthropologist turned design strategist. My journey began with cross-cultural research in Ecuador, where I explored the intersections of resource extraction, race, and class. That same commiment to storytelling and public knowledge led me to work in museums— from small state institutions to national ones—making complex histories accessible to diverse audiences.

I hold a PhD in Anthropology and a minor in Heritage Studies and Public History from the University of Minnesota. After seven years in academia, I made the easy (and necessary) choice to step away. While I loved conducting research, I disliked the constant grind for funding and the isolation of always being one of the few Black scholars in predominantly white spaces.

After obtaining my degree, I decided to take my qualitative research, analytical, and interpersonal skills that I had learned over the years as a student, to the non-academic world.

Now, I bring these skills into the world where change happens. I currently serve as a Design Strategist at the African American Leadership Forum in Minneapolis, where I help turn insights into action—co-creating innovative solutions with and for Black communities, to advance racial equity.