Karen Bartoszek

Board Member

Karen is a passionate advocate for pets and the important role they have in making our human lives better. In addition to her work as an Organizational Development and Change consultant, Karen leads a specialty practice, Pet Friendly Works, where she integrates the human-animal bond into organizational development and community building. She believes that our pets can be catalysts for change, connection, and creating positive outcomes. Her mission is to weave the power of unconditional love and acceptance that we learn from our much-loved furry companions into business and professional spaces, making it easier for organizations and cities to embrace pet-friendly practices and make a difference for the people and pets who live, work and play there. Her unique approach supports businesses and organizations in embracing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), while creating welcoming and engaging environments for all.

Karen also brings a strong background in sales, business development, operations, and training from her 18-year career with IBM. At IBM she learned to “Cherish the Wild Ducks” and think outside the box, an IBM value that continues to make a tremendous impact in her work today.

Karen earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Mars Hill University (NC) and her master’s in organizational psychology from William James College (MA). She is originally from New Jersey and currently lives in Safety Harbor, FL with her senior fur baby, Indi.