Karen Rogel is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Literacy Inc. (LINC). As a key leader in the City’s First Readers (CFR) initiative—an NYC Council–funded collaborative of 17 literacy organizations—Karen works to strengthen partnerships and expand access to early learning resources for families. She collaborates closely with the Collective Impact team to support and advance their initiatives and advocacy efforts.

With over 20 years of experience in event management and leadership, Karen has led impactful internal campaigns such as CFR United for Families and the CFR Hospital Campaign Tour, as well as external programs during CFR Months of October and April that bring together families, educators, and community partners to champion early literacy. She also spearheads many of LINC’s signature events and campaigns, including Diversity Through Literacy (DTL) and Reading on the Rails (ROTR). Working closely with NYC cultural institutions to help create engaging, community-driven experiences that foster a love of reading from an early age.

She was a voracious reader as a child, and still loves Charlotte’s Web and the Ramona Quimby and Amelia Bedelia series. Outside of LINC, she loves art, color, and crafting, spending time designing and decorating clothing and spaces. She also loves spending time at the beach, even in winter.