Karen Smith, brings experience with over two decades in bank management and the nonprofit sector. One area of focus for Karen are the youth, victims of abuse and socially impacted families by empowering and promoting entrepreneurship, self-sufficiency, financial literacy and educating the importance of generation wealth.
As the devoted sister of Dr. Carmen Johnson, who suffered a wrongful conviction, Karen embarked on a relentless journey to secure her sister’s early release. Her tenacity led to exhaustive research on the case, maintaining close communication with Dr. Johnson’s legal team, who took the battle to the Supreme Court not once, but twice. Karen’s advocacy extended to Congress and the Senate to address abuse endured by women at Alderson Federal Prison Camp, giving her voice for all the women that were victims of abuse on every level. Karen vowed to push for policy changes for women, girls, LGBTQIA and families that are victims of abuse and social disparity everywhere.
In August 2020, Karen founded HOTT, dedicated to supporting and educating the socially impacted by mirroring her advocacy for her sister. Her goal is to expand HOTT’s services nationwide, empowering communities through civic engagement by creating and building relationships with changemakers on every level.