After having served the Impact San Antonio board for six years as Marketing and Communications co-chair, Karen continues to volunteer her communications expertise to the organization. As part of publishing the Impact monthly newsletter, she profiled many members over the years. Now it’s time to turn the tables and learn more about Karen and her journey with Impact SA.
When and how did you first hear about Impact San Antonio? When and why did you join?
I first heard about Impact San Antonio in 2015. I attended the same church as Donna Harrison (now Donna Harrison Israel), who then was the president of Impact SA. She told me about Impact SA and invited me to join. It was the first time I’d heard of it, and I was intrigued by the idea of a women’s philanthropic organization. I went to the Impact SA website that same day and read about the work the organization does. I was very impressed and joined on the spot.
What impresses and inspires you about Impact SA?
A number of things impress and inspire me about Impact SA. One is the efficient way it is run. Dedicated volunteers give much of their time to operate an organization that does not have a paid staff. I am impressed with the grant process. Members work with nonprofit agencies during the application process. The grant review process is thorough and meticulous. And once the finalists are selected, members work with them to prepare their presentations for Grant Award Night. I am also impressed with the membership teams who work so hard to reach our goal each year.
What volunteer roles have you taken on so far? Are there any roles you would like to take on in the future?
I started out on the Member Recruitment Committee soon after I joined. Then I was invited to join the board as co-chair of Marketing and Communications due to my media background. I served on the board for six years, with my last term ending this past December. My responsibilities included writing and helping produce the monthly newsletter and keeping our Facebook page updated. I am also on the Marketing and Communications Committee and am working on the efforts to publicize our 20th anniversary this year. I also continue to update our Facebook page.
What did you do for a living?
I am retired from the San Antonio Express-News, where I worked as a reporter and editor for 24 years. I continue to write and edit for Impact SA and other groups I’m involved in, which allows me to do something I enjoy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
In addition to writing, my other passions are music and traveling. I currently sing in my church choir and have sung in other choirs and choral groups over the years. I have been to six continents and many countries and still have a few places on my bucket list. One highlight was holding a koala during my trip to Australia several years ago!
