Karen Harrison is the first Director of Communications at Wagner Foundation, where she is helping to shape the organization’s voice through brand identity and messaging, digital platforms, and media relations.
She brings over two decades of experience in public engagement and brand building from global organizations such as Levi Strauss & Co. and Oxfam. At Levi’s, Karen refined her expertise in Brand Management and Latin American product development. At Oxfam, she played a key role on the international team overseeing two global rebrands and led the adaptation and rollout for the US market. This deep experience across sectors informs her work in philanthropy today, where she is passionate about elevating the voices of forward-thinking leaders and organizations committed to equality.
As a child of immigrants, Karen identifies first and foremost as a first-generation American. Although Spanish was her first language, more than a singular culture, Karen feels a connection with anyone who was raised by parents who fled their home countries to seek out a safer and more stable life. Inspired by those unique individuals who persist despite the obstacles, she understands the profound impact of a powerful story and is committed to amplifying the incredible stories of Wagner Foundation’s partners.