Karen Meredith is a strategic HR leader, certified coach, and advocate for equity, environmental justice, and inclusive, people-centered systems. In addition to her role with the Climate Democracy Initiative, she consults with nonprofit organizations and facilitates training programs on leadership resilience, emotional intelligence, and inclusive workplace practices that help individuals and teams thrive through change.
Prior to joining CDI, Karen served as Senior Director of Total Rewards at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where she supported legal and advocacy teams advancing climate justice and environmental policy. She previously served as Managing Director of Human Resources at KIPP NYC, a network of public charter schools committed to educational equity. At KIPP, she oversaw HR operations for more than 1,000 staff across 18 schools, leading initiatives in compensation, benefits, compliance, and systems transformation to align HR strategy with the organization’s mission.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York with roots in Jamaica, Karen holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Allegheny College. She holds certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). Her lived experiences and deep passion for environmental and social equity fuel her commitment to supporting under-resourced communities and building inclusive organizations where all people can thrive.