Her Story
About Karen
Karen Kasim is a Fashion Business Professional and experienced program management and digital transformation leader with over 14 years of experience across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and academic research environments. She has led complex, cross-functional initiatives supporting drug development from concept to market, driving operational strategy and execution within university, hospital, and pharmaceutical settings. Her background also includes coordinating large-scale autism research grants for the State of New Jersey, where she demonstrated strong expertise in program oversight, compliance, stakeholder engagement, and process optimization.
Most recently, Karen transitioned into the fashion industry, completing an Associate of Applied Science in Fashion Business Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), graduating on May 19, 2026. She also earned an LVMH Certificate, strengthening her foundation in luxury business, brand strategy, and global fashion operations. Her areas of specialization include trend forecasting, merchandising, brand strategy and development, collaborations, planning, and research, combining analytical precision with creative and consumer-focused insight.
Currently, Karen is actively pursuing opportunities within the fashion business sector as a Fashion Business Professional, with a focus on strategy, merchandising, brand development, and digital innovation. She brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges healthcare operations, digital transformation, and fashion business strategy. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys reading Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The Business of Fashion, as well as cooking a variety of cuisines, staying active through exercise, and traveling. Known for her adaptability, leadership, and commitment to continuous learning, Karen is passionate about contributing to forward-thinking organizations in the global fashion industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having faith in myself, maintaining perseverance, and refusing to give up, even when faced with challenges. I believe that resilience and a willingness to keep moving forward have been the driving forces behind my personal and professional growth. By trusting my abilities, learning from setbacks, and remaining committed to my goals, I have been able to overcome obstacles and continue building a meaningful and successful career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple but powerful: just try. Taking the first step, even when the outcome is uncertain, has opened doors to opportunities I never would have discovered otherwise. I’ve learned that growth comes from being willing to take risks, embrace challenges, and trust that every experience whether it leads to success or a lesson moves me forward.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to keep trying, even when the path feels challenging. Take the time to understand your strengths and acknowledge your areas for growth, as self-awareness is one of your greatest assets. Most importantly, stay open to new possibilities and opportunities—you never know where they may lead. A willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace the unexpected can open doors to a rewarding and successful career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is ageism. It can limit how individuals are perceived, particularly when experience is overlooked in favor of youth or outdated assumptions about capability. At the same time, this creates an important opportunity to challenge those biases by consistently demonstrating value, adaptability, and expertise across all stages of a career. By advocating for inclusivity and recognizing the strengths that come with experience, the industry can move toward a more balanced and equitable view of talent.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, sincerity, and consistently doing my best. I believe in showing up as my true self, communicating honestly, and building trust through genuine interactions. I also hold myself accountable to always give my best effort, regardless of the situation, as I believe integrity and dedication are reflected in the quality of my work and relationships.
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