Karen Taylor-Liggins, MA, LLM
Karen Taylor-Liggins is a first-generation African American professional and seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience building high-performing, inclusive, and values-driven organizations. Her career spans nonprofit, healthcare, corporate, and faith-based sectors, where she has specialized in ethical AI governance, associate relations strategy, organizational development, and psychological safety. Known for aligning strategy with measurable results, Karen has successfully led complex initiatives, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and fostered environments where compliance meets compassion.
As an executive leader, Karen has driven transformative impact across every organization she has served. At AIA St. Louis, she led record-breaking membership growth, elevated underrepresented voices in architecture, and spearheaded K–12 pipeline programs introducing architecture as a career path in underserved schools. In her role at Central Baptist Church, she managed HR strategy and operations for a historic institution, designing CDC-aligned COVID-19 protocols and streamlining workflows to optimize organizational efficiency. She also founded her own coaching and consulting firm, helping leaders—particularly those with ADHD or unconventional career journeys—develop their potential and navigate complex challenges.
Outside of her professional work, Karen is deeply committed to community service, serving on boards and volunteering in initiatives that promote housing equity, social justice, and mental health. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and supports programs focused on education, economic empowerment, and social equity. With a dedication to ethical leadership, inclusive workplaces, and community impact, Karen continues to inspire organizations and individuals to align purpose with action and create meaningful, lasting change.
• Certified Professional Coach, International Coach Academy
• ADHD Coach, Edge Foundation
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, USF Corporate Training and Professional Education
• The Leading People Program™, Moementum, Inc.
• AI Ethics and Governance, Elevtr
• Senior Professional in Human Resources® (SPHR®), HRCI
• University of Missouri-Columbia – Master of Laws (LL.M.), Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Webster University – Master of Arts (M.A.), Health/Health Care Administration/Management
• Stephens College – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology/Biological Sciences, General
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Diversity & Inclusion Committee
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• American Institute of Architects
• Local Tornado Relief Organizations
• Board Member-Treasurer, Rebuilding Together STL (affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, elderly and veteran support)
• Various community service initiatives focused on equity, housing, education, and social justice
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance—consistently showing up and giving my best even in challenging environments. As a first-generation African American woman navigating complex professional spaces, I’ve relied on courage and integrity, always striving to do what I say I will do. My strong internal compass, grounded in justice, equity, and humanity, guides my decisions and leadership approach. I’ve learned to transform difficult experiences into tools for helping others, and I’m deeply passionate about creating workplaces where people feel safe to speak up. For me, psychological safety isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation of every healthy, high-performing organization.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: “Show up. Even when the room wasn’t designed for you.” This reminder has guided me through boardrooms, consulting spaces, and male-dominated fields, encouraging me to claim my space, speak up, and bring my full perspective to every opportunity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay open and flexible. Don’t box yourself into traditional paths—your skills may take you to places you never expected. Remain curious, especially as AI and technology evolve rapidly, and never dim your voice; the rooms where decisions are made need your perspective. Seek mentors who support your growth, not just your resume, and give yourself permission to shift industries or reinvent yourself. Remember, exploring new opportunities isn’t “starting over”—it’s expanding your potential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ensuring that AI tools are deployed ethically and transparently, without widening existing inequities. Many small organizations lack formal AI governance structures, and as automation grows, maintaining psychological safety and correcting biases in systems built without diverse perspectives becomes critical.
At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities. I am passionate about helping organizations build ethical AI frameworks and championing human-centered technology deployment. Educating leadership teams on AI readiness, using AI to increase access for underserved communities, and supporting nonprofits through modernization are all areas where meaningful impact can be made.
I firmly believe that the future of AI must include everyone—not just those with access or power. By prioritizing equity, ethics, and inclusion, we can ensure technology serves people, organizations, and communities in a way that is responsible and transformative.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are integrity, equity, and ethical leadership. I deeply respect diverse perspectives and believe that humanity must always remain at the center of technology. Intellectual curiosity drives me to stay ahead in an ever-evolving field, while the courage to take unconventional paths allows me to explore new opportunities and innovate.
Service to community is also a core value—I am committed to using my skills and influence to uplift others. I firmly believe that technology should never override our responsibility to one another as human beings, and I strive to ensure that every decision I make reflects this principle.