Karen Kelley-Ariwoola

Karen Kelley-Ariwoola has extensive work experience in the philanthropy and nonprofit sector. Karen is currently the Chief Operating Officer at the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), where they work towards closing the achievement gap and ending generational poverty in north Minneapolis. Prior to this, they served as the Vice President of Advancement at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School - Twin Cities. Karen also held the position of Chief Officer of External Relations at The Harvest Network of Schools from 2013 to 2018.

Karen has a long history with The Minneapolis Foundation, having held multiple roles including Vice President, Community Philanthropy, Interim President and CEO, Associate Vice President, Community Philanthropy, and Program Officer. During their time at the foundation, they managed grantmaking, special projects, and community leadership initiatives, and provided guidance on education and family-related issues.

In addition to their work at The Minneapolis Foundation, Karen has also served as a Trustee and Board Chair at the Minnesota Council on Foundations. Before that, they worked at Family Support America/Family Resource Coalition as a Project Director, providing national training and technical assistance on family support initiatives.

Early in their career, Karen held various roles at the Ounce of Prevention Fund, focusing on early childhood policies, services, and training. Karen also worked at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Knox County Day Nursery, and HOPE Headstart, where they supported young parents and managed daycare centers and home visits.

Overall, Karen Kelley-Ariwoola has a diverse background in philanthropy, education, and family support, making their a valuable asset in addressing social challenges and improving communities.

Karen Kelley-Ariwoola has a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Family Support Studies from DePaul University, which was completed before 1992. Karen also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Western Illinois University, obtained before 1983. In addition, Karen obtained a Fundraising Certificate from the University of St. Thomas, specifically from the Opus College of Executive Education, between 2013 and 2016. The date of obtaining this certification is not specified.