Karen grew up in a career Navy family with a father that served 30 years in the US Navy retiring as a Rear Admiral. Her two brothers, mother and dad, moved every year or two during her childhood exposing her to the vast diversity of communities that are essential to the strength of our country. Through this experience Karen learned the meaning of service, respect, integrity and dedication to American values. Karen attended college at the University of Florida obtaining a Bachelor’s in Agriculture and went on to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Practicing veterinary medicine for over 33 years has further strengthened her belief in the power of compassion. She ran her own successful small business here in Colorado serving the community with excellence in veterinary care for 16 years. She is a problem solver at heart.
We have work to do to examine and root out the myriad of ways that we have racist policies and inequities built into the fabric of our nation. As James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” Our social structure, criminal justice system, housing and jobs access, healthcare system, education system, and access to building wealth are just some of the areas where there continues to be a need for serious reforms. I will remember to bring this lens with me when exploring policies to help Colorado families. We must do better. We must listen to our affected neighbors.