Karen Hewitt

(Ze/She/They)

Culture Creator. Community Builder. Artist. Poet. Writer. Rest Advocate. Karen Hewitt is committed to doing the work of creating experiences that connect, foster belonging, and create community. Karen is an Executive DEI Director, co-founder of The Ohio REST Collective and Founder of the Culture of You. She is a non-negotiable stand for the most vulnerable and the dignity and value of every human life. Currently, Karen is a highly requested speaker, moderator, facilitator and emcee. Ze is considered a subject matter expert in the areas of: Culture and Diversity Management, Intersectionality, Leadership Development and Gender and Sexuality; centering Black and LGBTQ+ experiences and wisdom.

Karen is also a creative, donning the name Karen Marie in the artistic community. She is a 2020 recipient of the Create Columbus Visionary Award, a 2022 Columbus CEO Future 50 fellow, a 2023 African American Leadership Academy Fellow, a 2021 Cohort Poet in Scott Woods’ Rhapsody and Refrain, and an ensemble member in Counterfeit Madison’s Aretha Franklin Tribute; which performed in front of a sold out Lincoln Theatre in February 2020. In 2019, Karen self- published hir first book of poetry, Grounded; and released Fire: Poetic Memoirs of a Movement Autumn 2021. Karen has recently enjoyed the takeoff of her podcast The Culture of You, having meaningful dialogue with her favorite people. They are also an improv comedian, poet, drummer and singer. Karen is an invitation. Her work and presence compels others to journey inward, and encourages them to see the world in more expansive and hopeful ways.