Karen Engel joined Hands & Voices in 2011 and co-founded its New York chapter with her husband, Steve, in 2013. She also became involved with the Zonta Club of the Upper Hudson Valley in 2015, focusing on women’s and girls’ advancement.

Since 2017, Karen has been on the board of Columbia County ARC, advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences. She also serves on the guardianship committee and is a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and the Albany Medical Center Children's Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Karen graduated from The College of Saint Rose in 1984 with degrees in Special and Elementary Education and earned a master’s in Reading Education in 1988. After a 35-year career as a special education teacher, she retired in 2021. Her love for literature led her to the Eric Carle Museum, where she met notable figures like Eric Carle.

Karen and Steve are proud parents of Sam and Amara, who graduated from RIT/NTID with a Master’s in Secondary Education in May 2024. Karen’s volunteer work and advocacy highlight her significant impact on her community.

“It is an honor to serve on the NTID Foundation Board. I have chosen to serve because our daughter and her friends received amazing educations and had incredible experiences at RIT/NTID. It is unlike any other university in the world, and we want everyone to know about the opportunities that RIT/NTID offers.”