Her Story
About Karen
Karen Liz Perez-Young, MBA, is a dynamic sales leader and telecommunications professional with nearly 25 years of experience driving growth, building strategic partnerships, and developing high-performing teams. Currently serving as Director of Lead Account Management for Internet Service Providers at DIRECTV, she manages relationships with more than 100 ISP partners, helping organizations expand their reach through innovative streaming and connectivity solutions. Her expertise spans sales leadership, account management, business development, operations, strategic planning, and partner engagement across the telecommunications and entertainment industries.
Throughout her career, Karen has successfully navigated multiple leadership roles within DIRECTV and AT&T, including positions in sales operations, communications, supply chain management, account management, and executive support. As Chief of Staff for AT&T's National Retail organization, she supported executive leadership while helping manage strategic relationships with major national retailers. Known for her ability to implement effective systems, streamline processes, and foster collaboration across organizations, she consistently delivers measurable business results while maintaining a strong focus on customer experience and long-term partnership success.
Karen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and later completed her Master of Business Administration through the University of Phoenix. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is deeply committed to leadership development, mentorship, and community impact. One of her proudest achievements was helping 45 members of a 50-person team successfully transition into new opportunities during a period of organizational restructuring, ensuring they could continue building successful careers. Through her leadership, volunteer work with Junior Achievement, and dedication to empowering others, Karen continues to make a lasting impact both within her industry and in the communities she serves.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my hard work ethic, which was definitely instilled in me by my parents. They came to the United States from Puerto Rico, and even though I was born here, I learned how to overcome challenges and think about the benefits of living in this country. That strong work ethic has been the foundation of everything I've accomplished in my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is to put yourself in your team's shoes and be able to do the job that you're asking others to do. I really believe in this - even when I got a placement in door-to-door sales, something I'd never done as a manager, I actually went with my team and knocked doors myself. I helped listen to the pitch and everything. So my advice is to be vulnerable and be willing to put yourself in the shoes that your team is in.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to definitely be open to new suggestions and be vocal. I think diversity of ideas is really important, so be open to new ideas, but also don't shy away from sharing yours. Your voice and perspective matter.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think the biggest challenge right now is just the state of the economy. Sometimes our product is looked at as frivolous or not necessary - it's not seen as an essential product. So the challenge is trying to understand and provide customers and clients with the value add of why they should be promoting our product in this economic state.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is most important to me for sure - family first. I believe that if everything is well with your family, then everything in your work life will translate well too. From a work perspective, I try to be as transparent as possible. I think people really appreciate that honesty and feedback, so transparency is a core value for me.
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