Karen also has a Master of Sacred Theology in Theology, Philosophy and Ethics with a focus in Religion and Conflict Transformation from Boston University School of Theology ‘12, as well as a Master of Theological Research in Christian-Muslim Understanding from Andover Newton Theological School ‘07. Karen did her BA at Wellesley College, graduating with honors in her major, Peace and Justice Studies, ‘05.

With extensive interfaith and interreligious education, experience, and expertise, Karen also worked at United Religions Initiative, in housing security at Habitat for Humanity East Bay-Silicon Valley, and in food security and trauma informed services at St. Anthony’s in San Francisco. Before moving into her new vocational path, Karen spent more than 30 years working as a Professional Choreographer and Teaching Artist, creating and collaborating with schools, theatres and performers throughout the US, UK and Italy.

A Theologian, Activist and Advocate, Karen’s interfaith and interreligious work concentrates in the areas of restorative/transformative justice, theological coexistence, theological responses to religious extremism, human rights in sacred texts, trauma informed responses to conflict/violence, gender equality, and peacebuilding. Her experiential educational opportunities of living for four years in both the UK and Italy, as well her time spent living and learning in India, and taking part in a peace delegation in Palestine/Israel, especially, inform her work in this field immensely. As a former Ambassador and Presenter with the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Toronto, Salt Lake City and Melbourne, as well as a published writer with several media outlets including with the Journal of Interreligious Studies, as well as the Women’s United Nations Report Network, Karen brings a well-rounded perspective to Religions for Peace, as she works to cultivate grounded and fruitful programming with our valued Partners.

Finally, a proud Chicana with Indigenous Mexican roots, Karen is the only Latina interfaith practitioner and peacebuilder working at this high level of expertise in the United States. She is currently pursuing an End of Life Doula Certification, is a certified domestic violence advocate and mandated reporter, and she loves to hike, kayak, is a steadfast yogi, and most importantly, Karen is proud Mom to Katy, her 33 year old daughter.