KAREN NEWMAN

Our new social worker, Karen Newman, began her career in Chicago at Northwestern Hospital, grounding her expertise in social work principles like community development, equity, and sustainability. She has held key roles in economic development with the City of New York and Chicago, as well as in community affairs and grantmaking with The Michael Jordan Foundation and United Way. Her work has fostered collaborations with organizations such as Microsoft Africa and Philips Healthcare, bridging public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

As a long-time United Nations Consultant, Karen has focused on partnerships and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her experience includes roles with UNDP, UN DESA, and UNCDF, where she has led strategic communications, resource mobilization, and corporate responsibility efforts.

Locally, Karen is deeply involved in community development, serving on Community Board 5 and supporting grassroots initiatives addressing housing, public spaces, and social equity. She is also active with Pledge 1%, a global movement encouraging companies to dedicate resources to community causes.

Her MBA and MSW from the University of Chicago reflect her commitment to blending business strategy with social work to create meaningful change at both global and local levels.

To contact Karen, call 212-721-8708 or email help@ponyc.org.