Official Bio

Karen M.R. Townsend, Ph.D. is president of Dr. Karen Townsend an award-winning organizational development firm offering expertise in leadership development and 21st Century diversity. Dr. Karen works with leaders to create inclusive environments and build strong teams so they can effectively and efficiently meet the needs of their diverse colleagues and clients. A certified diversity educator, thought leader and recognized subject matter expert, Dr. Karen’s programs highlight the dual importance of recognizing organizational diversity, and leveraging the potential, the talent and the skills of every person. Dr. Karen serves on the board of directors for the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center and the Dayton Boys and Girls Club. She is a member of the Diversity Advisory Council for The Dayton Business Journal and the Community Advisory Board for the Dayton Daily News. Dr Karen has written a number of articles on diversity and inclusion that have been featured in local, regional and national publications and media outlets. 

Dr. Karen is also the founder of About My Sisters—an organization “on a mission to empower one million women and girls.”  Since 1993, she has hosted the annual Sister To Sister Conference which has been recognized as one of the longest-running women’s events in the United States. Dr. Karen has shared her message of women’s empowerment across the United States, in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Dr. Karen is the author of the best-selling book, It All Started When I Stopped Using Lotion:  One Woman’s Journey From Chaos to Calm.  Inspired by her own quest to find life balance, her personal account encourages busy working women to “Take their TiME:  Time for ME!”  Organizations across the globe are using “The Lotion Book” to support the professional development and career advancement of high potential women leaders.

Whether delivering presentations to corporate executives, conducting seminars for educators who are impacting the lives of the next generation, or encouraging busy working women to make themselves a priority, Dr. Karen’s goal is to help her clients live and lead confidently.