Karen Barnett

Karen Barnett, JD, LLM, serves as the Senior Director of Safeguarding at Mercy Corps since January 2015, providing global leadership in preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and human trafficking across programs in over 40 countries. Barnett previously held the roles of Director and Senior Ethics Specialist within the same organization and has extensive experience in managing survivor-centered safeguarding investigations and training programs. Prior roles include Adjunct Professor at Willamette University College of Law, where Barnett supervised law students in international human rights law, and Associate Attorney at Latham & Watkins, handling litigation and pro bono work. Barnett's early career included work as a Human Rights Officer at the Canadian Human Rights Commission and as an Outreach Counselor at Coastal Community Services, focusing on youth advocacy and crisis support. Educational credentials include a Master of Laws from New York University School of Law and a Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria.