Deputy Chair
Karen is Program Manager for The Smith Family in Canberra. Prior to this, she worked for a decade in the not-for-profit sector with an Aboriginal employment and training business working with government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors, and previous to that, two years as an adviser with Reconciliation Australia. Karen also brings a wealth of experience in the public sector from nearly two decades with the Queensland Public Sector.
Karen is a Kalkadoon woman who was born and raised on her ancestral lands in north-west Queensland. Her culture is at the heart of everything she does, and she is passionate about working with other Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders to overcome social, cultural and economic barriers. Karen has a record of success in supporting others to achieve significant life outcomes.
A graduate of Deakin University in Victoria, Karen brings her knowledge, experience and passion to children, young people and families and in the process, supports strengths-based approaches to health, education, parenting and family support.
