Karen is a Senior Campaign Director on the Workplace Justice Team, where she leads efforts around paid family and medical leave, equal pay, early learning and more in Pennsylvania. Her work includes building a vibrant and powerful community of Pennsylvania parents and caregivers who understand challenges facing our families and have the skills to act on them. Karen has over 20 years experience organizing communities, training advocates, leading campaigns and building movements around social justice issues. She has previously worked with Oxfam International, Netcentric Campaigns, Americans for Informed Democracy, and the Bank Information Center, and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger. She is currently the Board Chair of AMP Global Youth, a virtual, youth-powered network amplifying the youth voice around global issues. Karen is also a Master Gardener and runs her family's small sustainable farm in southern Ohio. Karen has degrees from Princeton University (MPA) and University of Michigan (BA). Connect with Karen at @Karen_showalter (Twitter) or @Terratrope (Instagram).

When did you realize moms have superpowers? 

“I realize moms have superpowers every day. And always in the supermarket. Anyone shopping while containing one or more squirmy, curious little ones deserves a medal.”