Her Story
About Karen
She is an experienced emergency management and EMS leader with a strong background in operations, clinical oversight, staff training, and disaster response. She currently serves as Assistant Director of Emergency Management for Columbia Health and Advisor of CUEMS at Columbia University, while also working as a Paramedic Supervisor at CrowdRx. Over the years, she has led large-scale medical operations, supported multi-agency deployments, managed compliance and workforce coordination, and contributed to pandemic and emergency response efforts. She holds a master’s degree in Crisis, Emergency, and Disaster Management and continues to strengthen her expertise through specialized certifications in crowd management and mental health first aid.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just push to sit at the table. It's important that your voice is heard, and not to separate men and women even more, but women do think differently, right? In this field, it is a lot of planning and methodical thinking, so anything that you have to contribute is a contribution, so just to make sure that you're present at that table and take your seat.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One big thing about EMS in general, and whatever type of role you're in, it's really about giving back, and yes, we give back to our community, but we also give back to each other. So whether that's through teaching, or mentoring, or helping someone through a call. I can say that I've been very lucky enough to work with some fantastic EMTs and paramedics that were nice enough to mentor me along the way.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · New York
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.