Karen Schauwecker

Karen Schauwecker currently serves as the Student Engagement Manager at Loyola University Chicago since July 2023. Prior to this, Karen was the Program Associate for Link Up Illinois at Experimental Station, focusing on increasing access to locally-sourced foods for SNAP recipients and managing partner retail relationships. Karen has also held significant roles such as Secretary to the Board of Directors at Neighborhood Food Co-op Grocery and President of the Board of Directors at Food Works. As Director of the Office of Sustainability at Southern Illinois University, Karen led initiatives on sustainability, climate action, and strategic planning while managing various sustainability programs. Earlier experience includes positions such as Assistant Farm Manager at Sewanee: The University of the South and Good School Food Educator at Jones Valley Teaching Farm. Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Beloit College and a Master of Science in Geography and Environmental Resources from Southern Illinois University, with ongoing education at Al Akhawayn University since 2003.