Karen L. Ottoni has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Karen is currently the Senior Director of Ecosystem & Strategic Initiatives at the Hyperledger Foundation, a position they have held since July 2022. In this role, they are responsible for building and cultivating the Hyperledger member ecosystem and engaging in industry outreach to promote blockchain technology.
Prior to this, Karen worked at The Linux Foundation as the Senior Director of Ecosystem & Strategic Initiatives, starting in March 2018. Here, they played a similar role in developing and fostering the Hyperledger member ecosystem.
Before joining The Linux Foundation, Karen was an Organizer of Women in Blockchain NYC & Global at Meetup from May 2017 to October 2019. This initiative aimed to empower women in the blockchain industry and promote diversity and inclusion.
Karen also has experience in the field of international development. Karen worked as a Strategic Business Manager - Blockchain at Tata Consultancy Services from August 2016 to March 2018. Prior to this, they served as a Business Strategy Consultant at Noora Health, where they conducted market research projects and contributed to the company's growth strategy.
Karen's career started at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Communications Specialist from November 2012 to May 2014. In this role, they developed communications materials and organized high-profile events.
Karen also worked as an International Development Consultant for various clients, such as John Snow International (JSI), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Booz Allen Hamilton, from an unspecified start date to October 2012.
Earlier in their career, Karen held two positions at Chemonics International/USAID Burundi Policy Reform Project. Karen served as a Senior Program Manager from November 2008 to November 2010 and as a Project Manager from April 2006 to November 2008. In these roles, they managed various projects and supported new business development activities.
Karen L. Ottoni completed their education with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from American University. Karen then pursued a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Additionally, they studied Sustainability Studies at Copenhagen Business School. However, specific start and end years for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are not provided.
March, 2018 - present