Karen Brown is a results-focused business driver with a passion for being the voice of the voiceless. She’s an author and sought-after global speaker who has frequently been recognized globally for her work. An experienced operations executive, her background is rich in multicultural, global experience and demonstrated success promoting diversity and inclusion within the corporate, non-profit, and academic sectors.
Having served Baker McKenzie, the second largest law firm in the world, as Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, her key areas of expertise include advising top executives on appropriate strategies for the organization, and making policy recommendations which enhance business results, limit job turnover, increase employee performance, and enhance morale and productivity.
Dedicated to pioneering the path for diversity & inclusion, she is adept at using data analytics as insights for decision-making. Her specific expertise is in P&L Management, Public Speaking, Focus Groups, Strategic Business Planning, ROI Alignment, Executive Diversity Councils, Leadership, Panel/Workshop Facilitation, Branding, Communication, Coaching/Mentoring, Key Performance Indicators (KIPs), Scorecard, External Partnerships, Business/Employee Resource Groups, Board Relations, Education, Talent Acquisition, and Development & Retention.
In addition to her role at Baker McKenzie, Karen’s experiences across other global conglomerates include Monsanto, Baxter Healthcare, Rockwell Collins, Sodexo, and Diversity Focus. She is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors. She’s also served as advisor and board member to WorldChicago, Chicago United, National Organization on Disability (NOD), Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLESN), Diversity Focus, Big Brother, Big Sister, QUEST/ICEDR, among others.
Karen holds an M.A. from Norfolk State University in Human Resources and Urban Affairs, a B. S. in Hotel Restaurant, Institutional Management & Dietetics from Kansas State University and is Lean Six Sigma certified.
