The Relentless Pursuit of Courage in Leadership
A powerful invitation to lead boldly, make values-driven decisions, and turn courage into a daily leadership practice.
The leadership trifecta
Barriers became bridges.
Karen’s path broke through the “plexiglass ceiling” women of color know too well and transformed every barrier into a bridge for others.
- 01
Rooted in resilience
Rising from childhood poverty in rural North Carolina, Karen was raised by a single mother with an eighth-grade education who raised seven children.
- 02
A first in the family
She became a first-generation college graduate and NCAA Division I scholar-athlete. It was an early proving ground for discipline, focus, and courage.
- 03
Fortune 500 leadership
At McDonald’s Corporation, Karen served as Regional Vice President leading $1B in revenue, Regional VP of Operations, VP of U.S. Strategy, and VP of Menu Strategy and Innovation, touching 26 million customers daily across 13,000 locations.
- 04
A purposeful pause
She stepped away from corporate leadership to be present for her teenage children, then became a franchisee and owner/operator of The Goddard School.
- 05
Impact at scale
As CEO of Bridge Communities, she helped families experiencing homelessness build a path toward self-sufficiency.
- 06
Leadership today
Karen now serves as Chief Operations Officer of Make-A-Wish America, translating purpose into measurable, life-changing impact.
“Courage must be relentlessly pursued and fiercely captured. Perpetually.”
In the conversation
Leadership, in real time.
Follow Karen for reflections on courage, purpose, women in leadership, and the work of turning possibility into impact.
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