Bio

Karen Kelley-Ariwoola is a veteran philanthropic executive and community leader celebrated nationally and locally in Minneapolis for her leadership impact. She has been and continues to be a trusted mentor, gracious sponsor, and strategic advisor to hundreds of leaders and institutions across the philanthropic sector. Over the course of her career, Karen served 18 years as Vice President of Community Philanthropy at the MPLS Foundation prior to her departure in 2012. In 2006 - 2007 she led The Minneapolis Foundation through transition as its Interim President and CEO. In addition to her leadership roles at The Minneapolis Foundation, Karen is the former chair of the Minnesota Council on Foundations and a board member of the A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities (ABFE). She has received numerous professional awards including the Arthur Weinberg Memorial Prize for her Master’s thesis, the ABFE 21st Annual James Joseph Lecturer and Leadership Award, and the “Nancy” Award for Leadership in Early Childhood from the Minnesota Start Early Funders Coalition.