Karen grew up in New England but has made her home in the city or suburbs of Chicago now for 35 years. She’s been affiliated with two start-up synagogues during this time, and is now a builder-member of Mishkan Chicago, a progressive Jewish spiritual community. She is a board member of Chicago’s JCUA (Jewish Council for Urban Affairs) and has been deeply involved in another start-up organization, food co-operative Chicago Market.
Karen received a B.A. in Cognitive Science from Brown University. She built a career in advertising with Leo Burnett, and then a spin-off sister company, Starcom Media Group, for over 20 years. During her time with Starcom, she became part of the executive leadership team, and helped grow the company to worldwide leadership in reputation and achievement. She has been recognized and awarded within the industry for her talents in strategic leadership, mentoring, operations and negotiations. She retired in 2014 in order to give time to family, friends, volunteer activities and other pursuits.
Karen met and married Andy Jacobs in Chicago. They are tremendously proud of their two adult children, Katie and Ben. Among her many passions are traveling, live music, gardening, cooking, reading, and working for social justice.