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Karen Gilbert has a diverse work experience spanning a wide range of roles and responsibilities. Karen currently serves as the Associate Director of Development, Corporate Partners at Forte Foundation, a position they have held since March 2021. Prior to this, Karen worked at the McCombs School of Business, The University of Texas at Austin, where they held several positions including Partnership Advisor, Career Management & Corporate Relations from September 2019 to March 2021, MBA Employer and Alumni Engagement Officer from September 2014 to September 2019, and Assistant Director, Annual Giving Programs from June 2013 to September 2014.

Karen also worked as a Development Specialist at the Briscoe Center for American History from November 2011 to May 2013, where they played a key role in creating a fundraising plan for a $4 million renovation campaign. Additionally, they served as a Fundraising Consultant for Commissioner Karen Huber's Re-Election Campaign from November 2011 to November 2012, developing and implementing a campaign fundraising plan with a goal of raising $300,000.

Karen's prior experience includes roles at the McCombs School of Business as a Development Associate from May 2011 to November 2011, where they liaised with corporations and created stewardship reports and funding proposals. Karen also worked as a Development Assistant at The University of Texas at Austin from March 2010 to May 2011.

Before transitioning to the field of development and fundraising, Karen worked in the political sector, serving as Chief of Staff for State Representative Marisa Marquez from February 2009 to July 2010. In this role, they managed policy initiatives and office affairs, implementing strategies to advance the representative's legislative agenda. Karen also worked as a Finance Associate at Progressive Capitol from April 2008 to February 2009 and as a Fundraising Assistant at Stanley-Garrison & Associates from January 2008 to April 2008.

Karen began their career as a Legislative Aid for State Representative Joe Heflin from January 2007 to May 2007. Overall, their work experience highlights their expertise in development, fundraising, corporate relations, and political operations.

Karen Gilbert earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from The University of Texas at Austin, completing their studies from 2004 to 2008. Later, in 2020, they enrolled in The University of Texas at Austin again, this time for a Project Management Certificate Program, which they are still currently pursuing.