Influential Woman · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Communications
Karlie L Ilaria
Communicator, DEI Strategist, Women's Champion, Purposefully Worded
NJ
Her Story
About Karlie
For nearly 30 years I worked. And I worked hard. Too hard.
I first rose through the ranks in marketing communications while going to college in the evenings. In 2007, I transitioned in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) (at the time it was simply "Diversity"). By that time, I had five of 10 surgeries already under my belt, but I had a beautiful miracle baby at home. Years moved fast, life moved fast. Fast forward to 2026. I am now in an exciting next phase of my personal and my professional life. My miracle son is in college and my goal is to share my story to help other women.
I was nearly 50 when my life changed forever and there are so many lessons I've learned.
Why did I work so hard to the point that my body stopped working? Why did I personalize work so deeply that it impacted my head? Why did I not practice the balance that I preached? Why did I allow toxic people and situations to shield my perceptions of myself?
In the last five years in my role, I was responsible for DEI, women's advancement and... wellness and balance. Yet, I gained 40 lbs, drank every day, worked 12 hour days and woke with nightmares every single night.
Working in the DEI space for nearly 20 years was exhilarating. And it was so easy to get sucked in. Easy for lifes lines to become blurred.
One day, my body made me stop. It was an abrupt and life-changing wake-up call. Now at 52 years old, I am mostly out of the grind. And I have time. Time to reflect. Time to realize that life is about balancing your time and your life. I have time to beg others to realize that it is easy to lose time. And it is easy to lose yourself in life.
Now I make sure Io find time every day, even if only a few minutes, to breathe and reflect.
I believe this "About" section is supposed to be about my current role. I continue to consult in the DEI space, but more importantly, I blog and I speak at conferences, seminars and workshops on the importance of health of my body and spirit, especially for women. And I coach other women and share tools and tactics.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karlie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being humble and empathetic. These two qualities have been fundamental to how I approach my work and relationships throughout my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have received alot of amazing advice over my career. Some helped me practically along the way, but the advice that spanned my entire career and which stays most relevant, even now is:
Your work is not your life.
Unfortunately, this is hard to see when you're in it, but it could not be more true. The solution is to recognize it and to not lose sight of it. KNOW that one day you will wake up and your work WILL be gone (or at least will change) so what will you still have around you at that time? Who will you have around you? And more importantly, what will your "self" feel and look like? Will you be whole and will you be satisfied with your self and your life?
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Balance. But not in the way everyone talks about. Yes, it is so important to maintain that balance between your professional and personal life, but it is more important to make sure that while you balance your life, you take care of you. Many people mistake balance by thinking it means making sure you are getting everything done. Balancing kids, parents, friends, work, doctors, travel, schedules, agendas, emails, calendars. At what point do you include the time for you? Your mind, your body, your spirit?
Find the time, if only a few minutes each day to do something that soothes your mind, body and spirit. Give yourself 10 minutes when you first wake up when you can to stay off your phone and just let your self wake.
Read, yoga, journal, walk, ride a bike, listen to music.
Spend a few minutes in fresh air.
Be present in the moment.
I know this seems impossible. Take a minute to care for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My expertise is in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Everything can be viewed as a challenge right now, but it is also an opportunity to evolve the field and the work. The foundation of DEI work has always been about empowerment, advancement, mentorship and building people up. That will never change.
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