Karen worked with state Superintendent Tom Torlakson to pursue better use of technology to transform and improve teaching and learning in California. The primary goal of the effort was re-envisioning Brokers of Expertise to be a sustainable modern online site for educators to share best practices and tools for digital learning. As a member of the State Superintendent of California’s executive team, Karen engaged educators, education advocates and top technology leaders around the state to develop a strategy for creating model EdTech policies and implementing the California Education Technology Blueprint.
KAREN HOLST (2014-15) came to FUSE after co-founding two education-focused companies. In 2000, Karen co-founded an internet company, MyEdu, which was acquired by Blackboard Inc. in 2014. Karen drove the company's growth to serve millions of college students at 1,200 campuses across the U.S. She has led strategic partnerships, operating large-scale data organizations, marketing, communications, and new business development within multiple verticals in the public and private sectors. After her fellowship, Karen joined IDEO as a Product Manager and Director of Platform and Operations for the launch of IDEO U, IDEO’s online school that teaches design thinking and collaboration for global leaders. Karen received her BS degree in Corporate Communications from the University of Texas at Austin.
2014-2015 | State of California - Department of Education