Karen initially joined IYF in February 2004 with the Global Fund for Youth Development program. In March 2006, Karen became part of the YouthActionNet® team to assist with the expansion of the global YouthActionNet® program at the national level, primarily in Latin America.  Prior to joining IYF, Karen lived and worked for two years in Mexico City, Mexico. As a Program Assistant for a local women’s popular education group (Grupo de Educación Popular de Mujeres) and a Program Researcher for Global Exchange, Karen participated in research, dissemination and advocacy around free trade and gender issues in the Mexican context.  Karen received her Masters Degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Relations from the College of William and Mary. She is fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese.