Karen Volker

Karen Volker has extensive work experience in various roles related to partnership, violence prevention, and international development. Karen is currently the Director of Partnership and Violence Prevention at URI (United Religions Initiative) since 2023. Prior to that, they were the Chief Executive Officer at Lion's Gate Consulting and Services starting from 2022.

From 2012 until their retirement in October 2022, Karen served as the Executive VP at Cure Violence Global (CVG), where they played a key role in strategic planning and developing strategic partnerships. Karen also managed CVG's work in Iraq, Syria, Morocco, and the West Bank.

Before joining CVG, Karen worked as the Chief of Staff at the Special Coordinator for Middle East Transitions in 2011. From 2010 to 2011, they served as the Director of Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), overseeing over $500 million in USG assistance to civil society organizations in the Middle East and North Africa.

Karen's career at the U.S. Department of State spanned almost 25 years, where they held various positions both in Washington and overseas. These include Director of MEPI, Deputy Director of EU Office, Deputy Director of Resources, Policy and Planning Office, Member of the Policy Planning Staff, and Stability Pact Coordinator. During their time at the State Department, they focused on supporting political and economic transitions in Central and Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

Additionally, Karen worked as a Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Joseph Lieberman in 2003, during which they drafted the Greater Middle East and Central Asia Development Act.

Overall, Karen has had a diverse and impactful career, with a focus on partnership building, violence prevention, and international development in the Middle East and other regions.

Karen Volker has a Master of Arts - MA degree from The George Washington University, which they obtained in 1987. Karen also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of La Verne, which they completed in 1983, majoring in History and Spanish. Prior to that, from 1979 to 1981, Karen attended Occidental College. There is no information provided regarding their degree or field of study during their time at Occidental College.