karen kaur (she/hers) is a Program Coordinator at Rise Up who helps expand gender equity and justice in California. She has a steadfast commitment to interrupt and dismantle gender-based violence and largely systemic barriers impacting marginalized communities – particularly refugee and immigrant women and children. Most recently, karen held leadership positions with the International Rescue Committee and WEAVE Inc. managing complex and collaborative projects to drive improvement and systems change in economic justice, housing inequality and racial justice. As a proud daughter of immigrants, she always leads with heart to address gender, racial, health, and educational equity.

A first-generation college graduate, karen earned her Master’s degree with distinction in Human Trafficking, Migration, and Organised Crime, a BS in Women’s Studies and a BA in Liberal Studies with honors. She also serves on the Board of Directors, as Board Chair, of Youth Forward.