As a civic leader and convener, HDI encourages knowledge-sharing and collaboration between Haitian-led organizations.  In the wake of the 2021 earthquake on the Southern Peninsula, HDI has supplied emergency aid and is assembling members of over 20 community-based organizations to develop plans to restore farms, housing and other infrastructure. Karen has served on the board of HDI since 2018 and formerly on the board of its predecessor, the Haiti Relief and Reconstruction Fund since 2010.