Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Boykin-Towns.
Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Here is a concise interview response that feels personal, authentic, and aligned with your journey:
⸻
My story is really a testament to the power of opportunity, preparation, and people who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself.
I began my career in public service, working in the New York State Senate. What started as a position at the front desk evolved into increasingly significant leadership roles, eventually serving as Legislative Director and later as Chief of Staff. Those experiences taught me the importance of policy, advocacy, and how decisions made at the highest levels impact everyday people.
From there, I transitioned into the corporate sector and spent more than two decades at Pfizer. Over 22 years, I had the opportunity to serve in a variety of leadership positions across government relations, public affairs, human resources, and corporate affairs. I ultimately became Pfizer’s first Chief Diversity Officer and later a Vice President responsible for corporate affairs for the company’s Innovative Medicines business. Those experiences taught me how to build partnerships, navigate complex organizations, and lead through change.
Alongside my professional career, service has always been central to who I am. I served as President of the Brooklyn NAACP and today I have the privilege of serving as Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, making me the highest-ranking woman in the organization. I also chair the NAACP Image Awards Committee, helping to celebrate excellence while advancing the organization’s mission of civil rights, equity, and justice.
Today, I am President and CEO of Encore Strategies, serve on several corporate and nonprofit boards, including iFIT Health & Fitness and VNS Health, and continue to focus on leadership, governance, strategic partnerships, and creating opportunities for others.
When I look back, my journey wasn’t a straight line. It was built one opportunity at a time, often by saying “yes” before I felt completely ready. The lesson I carry with me is that your purpose is often bigger than your fear. If you’re willing to work hard, stay curious, and serve others along the way, opportunities have a way of finding you.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. In fact, I think one of the biggest misconceptions people have when they look at someone’s career from the outside is that it was all carefully planned and smoothly executed. Mine certainly wasn’t.
I’ve experienced setbacks, disappointments, and moments of self-doubt just like anyone else. Early in my career, I often found myself being the only woman—or one of very few women—and frequently the only Black woman in the room. There were times when I had to work twice as hard to prove I belonged and to ensure my voice was heard.
I’ve also navigated career transitions that required me to step into unfamiliar territory. Moving from government into corporate America was a significant shift. Later, taking on leadership roles that had never before been held by someone who looked like me came with both opportunity and pressure. There were moments when I questioned whether I was ready, but I learned that growth often requires you to step forward before you feel completely prepared.
Beyond professional challenges, life has brought personal ones as well. Losing my mother, Betty Foster, was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. She was my biggest cheerleader and one of my greatest teachers. More recently, losing my mentor and friend, Dr. Hazel Dukes, left a tremendous void. Those losses reminded me that leadership is not just about titles and accomplishments; it’s about carrying forward the lessons and legacy of those who helped shape you.
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience is a muscle. Every challenge, every setback, every closed door teaches you something if you’re willing to learn from it. I’ve never viewed obstacles as reasons to stop. I’ve tried to view them as opportunities to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road. But I wouldn’t change that. The struggles shaped the leader I am today and taught me that success isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about how you respond to them.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My career has been built at the intersection of leadership, strategy, governance, and service. Throughout my professional journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work across government, corporate America, and the nonprofit sector, helping organizations navigate complex challenges, build meaningful partnerships, and create lasting impact.
Today, I serve as President and CEO of Encore Strategies, where I advise organizations on leadership, stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, public affairs, diversity and culture, and organizational transformation. I also serve on corporate and nonprofit boards, including iFIT Health & Fitness and VNS Health, where I help provide governance and strategic oversight.
Many people know me through my leadership with the NAACP, where I serve as Vice Chair of the National Board of Directors and Chair of the NAACP Image Awards Committee. In these roles, I have the privilege of helping guide one of the nation’s most important civil rights organizations while also overseeing one of the most visible celebrations of Black excellence and achievement.
Prior to launching my own company, I spent more than 22 years at Pfizer, where I held a variety of executive leadership positions and became the company’s first Chief Diversity Officer. Throughout my tenure, I helped shape corporate strategy, public policy engagement, reputation management, leadership development, and culture transformation initiatives across a global organization.
If there is one thing I specialize in, it is building bridges. Throughout my career, I have often found myself bringing together people, organizations, and perspectives that might not otherwise find common ground. Whether in government, business, healthcare, or civil rights advocacy, I have learned that meaningful progress happens when relationships are built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to solving problems.
What I am most proud of is not a title, award, or position. It is the opportunity to create pathways for others. I am proud of the leaders I have mentored, the doors I have helped open, and the communities and organizations that are stronger because of collective efforts to advance equity, opportunity, and justice.
What sets me apart is my ability to move comfortably across different worlds—corporate boardrooms, community organizations, public policy discussions, and grassroots advocacy. I understand how to translate ideas into action and how to build partnerships that create real results. I have learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room; it is about bringing people together around a common purpose and helping them achieve something greater than they could accomplish alone.
At the end of the day, my work has always been about impact. Titles change and careers evolve, but the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives remains the most rewarding part of what I do.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I believe the greatest impact happens through collaboration. To learn more about my work and areas of focus, visit KarenBoykinTowns.com. You can also follow me on social media at @karenbtowns.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Karenboykintowns.com
- Instagram: @karenbtowns
- Facebook: @karenbtowns
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenbtowns
- Twitter: @karenbtowns
