About Karen
I was born and raised in Northern California. My father was a machinist and my mother a secretary. And while we led a modest existence, my life was rich in other ways. My parents and grandparents were fanatical about fishing.
Our house had two specially designed closets for various types of fishing rods. And while I did not inherit the fishing bug, I developed a fierce love for, and desire to protect, our open spaces. I also spent several years challenging myself to run difficult rivers and master ocean kayaking.
Education
While scholarships and grants helped fund my undergraduate degree (BA in English) and graduate degree (MA in Journalism), I also relied heavily on work study programs and lots and lots of waitressing. I fully understand how daunting the cost of college can be for many students.
Career
I pursued a lengthy career in journalism, working for newspapers, magazines, and radio. As the editor of a parenting magazine, I also recruited experts in child development to speak at town halls in Seattle, and learned as a parent myself.
Non-Profit Work
Moving into communications in the non-profit sector was a natural transition. I worked for an international organization assisting landmine victims and traveled frequently to Southeast Asia, and also to Afghanistan where we were contracted to establish programs by the U.S. State Department. Later, I became the marketing and communications director for a Washington State humane society.
Volunteer Work
In many ways, my journey has been rooted in service. I also volunteered as a ski instructor for people with both mental and physical disabilities, and as a river guide for an organization working to keep rivers wild and scenic. Most recently, I participated in a Romanian-led effort to rescue abandoned and starving pets from Ukraine.
Running for the Idaho State House is an extension of that commitment to serving, in this case the people of Idaho, and District 1 in particular. And I do mean all Idahoans, no matter what party they belong to.
Our Future Together
My career has been a good training ground for my candidacy. It taught me to strive for objectivity so that I could truly listen to people on all sides of an issue. I did that two years ago when I went door to door, primarily to independent and unaffiliated voters, and asked about their concerns. I will do the same this time around.
Idaho is my home. Fortunately for me, my son and his family moved to Sandpoint last year. My son is in the building trades; my daughter-in-law is pursuing a teaching degree; and my granddaughter attends public school. Although they love Sandpoint, it’s challenging for them here. The cost of living is high. That is part of the reason I’m devoted to finding ways to make living here more affordable for working families like theirs.
It would be my great honor to represent everyone in District 1 in the Idaho Legislature. I would make myself available to my constituents as much as possible and return to Bonner and Boundary counties often during the session to hear your concerns in person.