"Karen is leading the way, shaping the next generation of development thinking and gender equality theory and practice. In an often divisive field of work, Karen is idealistic yet pragmatic, distinguished yet approachable, serious yet fun, gentle yet strong, compassionate yet challenging. Spiritual and intuitive, Karen dissolves artificial boundaries and quickly develops rapport - thus creating a safe space for women, men and other marginalized groups to step out of political correctness and into real conversations about what matters to them.

With seasoned emotional intelligence, refined instinct, a gold-mine of diverse, global experience and incredible technical expertise, this woman is the epitome of the word "expert". You know she has perfected her craft when, time and again, I have watched her create space for dissenting points of view and what emerges is a renewed, reconnected and realigned community, inspired and ready to take bold action from what can only come from one place - an awakening of the human soul.

David Peck,

Founder of So Change,

Director of Public Engagement,

World Vision. (2017)

She is able to elicit new thought processes, lift limiting assumptions and move mind-sets in a simple, safe and enabling way. She is able to link deep levels of theory and models of practice with the everyday challenges that groups and organisations face in the equality space. Karen is truly an amazing resource that brings meaningful thoughts, plans, actions and ultimate delivery to fruition."

Dr Belinda Ketel

XynergistiX

Management Consulting, Training, Facilitation & Coaching (2017)

"Karen is a dynamic pioneer in the field of Gender Equality and Inclusion. She is always seeking new and innovative ways to address gender equality and inclusion issues ensuring best practice and evidence within her field is adapted for a variety of cultures and contexts.

Karen shines when she is delivering in country training on gender equality and inclusion and our partners love the practical elements of her gender training, which often includes community based engagement. Her experience designing programs, gender equality strategies and work with a broad array of institutional donors such as Global Affairs Canada has been a huge asset to us at effect: hope. Her comfort in working in both Anglophone and Francophone projects and countries has been of tremendous value in our project in Kenya and Cote D’Ivoire. The length and breadth of her experience in the field of gender equality within different countries, contexts, languages and systems is truly exceptional.

Karen is an absolute pleasure to work with because she does not shy away from complex projects or fragile situations which require more effort and flexibility on her part. These situations rather energize her and - as a result - those of us who work with her - so that together we can make a difference in ensuring that local gender and inclusion issues are addressed in a meaningful way.

Thank you Karen for sharing your experience with us. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with you and to tackling more projects where gender, equity and health intersect and where change can be made to increase access to vital health services for all!"

Deborah Mensah Awere,

Director, International Programs,

effect:hope (2017)