As social engineer and strategic thinker Karen is attracted to challenges that do not have one predetermined path or outcome, yet. Her focus is on creating dynamics and systems that have a transformative impact.

Karen started her career in the one creative sector that experienced major disruptions due to digital innovation from day one: music industry. As R&D manager of a pioneer online streaming video platform for live and on demand concerts, closely related to the renowned Amsterdam Paradiso concert hall, she dealt with the social, cultural and business challenges that arose. She continued her career working for that other Amsterdam pioneer organisation: Waag / Fab Lab Amsterdam. Over the years she’s grown extensive field experience in development and execution of a broad range social innovation projects in open data, open design, maker movement, maker mindset, digital fabrication, future education, resilient and sustainable citizens and cities.

Karen’s key approach is thinking out of the box, pinpointing hidden assumptions, embracing resistance and building thrust through trust, fuelled by essential understanding of human needs, intuition and common sense.