Karen Walker is a seasoned program director and servant leader with over 18 years of experience in human services, program management, and workforce development. She currently serves as the Senior Manager, Strategic Community Engagement at APHSA, where she supports internal and external initiatives to advance belonging-centered strategies across public sector human services organizations.

Karen has dedicated her professional services to serving system-impacted and involved youth, families, and individuals in underserved communities. She is deeply committed to governance for all—advancing people and social justice through strategic planning, policy advocacy, and innovative initiatives that promote multi-generational social and economic opportunities and advancement.

Before her role at APHSA, Karen was the Founder and Director of the National Institute for Unlocked Potential (UP). She led efforts to empower Opportunity Youth (ages 16-24) from underserved communities by fostering love, belonging, and access to education and career pathways. She also held leadership positions at the Metropolitan Action Commission and the State of Tennessee, where she spearheaded and supported statewide poverty-reduction initiatives and advocated for practices and policies that uplift families, empower communities, drive positive change, and create lasting economic opportunities for future generations.