Since she joined Impact San Antonio in 2017, Karen Cannon has been a dedicated volunteer in our grant review process. Here’s what she has to say about her various roles and our organization.
When did you first hear about Impact SA?
After I retired from USAA eight years ago, I was looking for something to get involved in. I found Impact SA in several friends’ Facebook posts and checked it out.
Why did you decide to join?
After reviewing the website and talking to several friends, I was so impressed with the mission and how Impact SA is organized that I knew I wanted to be a part of it.
What impresses and inspires you about Impact SA and the work it does in our community?
I am so impressed with the way it is run and organized and the thorough process of selecting the agencies that receive grants.
Why did you decide to get involved in the grant review process? What positions have you taken on?
My first job with Impact SA was helping with technical review of applications in 2017. After that experience, I wanted to move on to the next part of the process — grant review. Since then, I have served in four of the five focus areas and on six grant review teams, four of them as co-lead. This past year I also served as a grant liaison.
What did you do for a living?
I retired from the Air Force after 23 years as a personnel officer, then had a 17-year career with USAA in human resources. Now I am on my third career of giving back!
What activities do you enjoy?
I enjoy golf, though I am not very good at it. It gives me an opportunity to spend quality time with my husband and soak up some vitamin D. I also enjoy serving on other boards and volunteering at the USO at the San Antonio International Airport every Sunday afternoon.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am thrilled to be a member of Impact SA! I have learned so much about our community and met some of the most impressive, fun women.
