Top Ten Ways That Karen Marie Is Me
Passionate about helping others with their professional skills and career development
Approaches conflict with compassion and a goal of understanding first, followed by collaborating on solutions
High-achieving teams are created by my servant leadership approach
Fun is an essential component to any workplace, not an optional one
Proponent of life-long learning and expects those on my team to believe in this as well
There is always room for improvement, whether through process efficiencies, expense reductions, or otherwise
In-person collaboration should be purposeful and thought given to ensure all attendees both bring value to and leave with value from the discussion
Being genuine in my actions and words is paramount to my success in influencing staff culture
Purveyor of fine art (a.k.a. tattoos) and enjoy collecting a new piece of art when travelling
Pet mom to one rescue dog (Gambit), three ball pythons (Peanut, Butter, and Cleo), and two super dwarf reticulated pythons (Delilah and Penelope).
Professional
In addition to handling myself in a respectful, kind and inclusive manner, I share my professionalism with my community as an elected official, serving on my local library Board of Trustees.
Intelligent
After graduating With Honors from Loyola University Chicago, I earned my paralegal certificate from Roosevelt University Chicago With Honors. Recently, I earned my CAE credential from ASAE.
Genuine
I firmly believe (and research backs me up) that a happy employee is a productive employee. I encourage others to bring their authentic selves to work and lead by example. If we are not able to smile and laugh, we are not able to work to our full potential.
Volunteer Experience
Association Forum Content Working Group
2023 ASAE Annual Meeting Peer Reviewer
ASAE Collaborate Ambassador
Elected Board Trustee and Officer (Secretary), Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District
Mentor Experience
Association Forum Emerging Leader mentor
Mentor to staff member in outside department
