As a former educator, attorney, and policy leader, Karen Webber brings a holistic understanding of how civic institutions shape individual and collective wellbeing. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of nonprofits, public systems, and communities to collaborate in building environments where all people can learn, thrive, and participate fully in a healthy democracy.
Karen’s career spans education reform, human rights, and community centered policy change, including serving as a Director and Senior Team Manager at Open Society Foundations, Executive Director of Student Support and Safety for Baltimore City Public Schools, Principal of the National Academy Foundation School and Executive Director of both the Public Justice Center of Baltimore, MD and the Open Housing Center of New York City.
In the education arena particularly, Karen has spearheaded major reforms — including statewide funding advocacy, district wide restorative practices, and school police support and training — that have resulted in state level policy changes, measurable improvements in student wellbeing, and long-term educational opportunity for all students. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Colgate University and is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law.