Karen Oxrider loves sunshine, adventure and young people. That makes the Roots & Shoots California Regional Office the perfect place for her.

"We were so lucky to find her," said Betsy McWhirt, Roots & Shoots National Director.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Karen attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she earned a bachelor's degree in business before heading out to the Golden State.

Before entering the nonprofit world, Karen spent 15 years as a leader in the insurance industry working with such insurance giants as Metropolitan Life, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kentucky and Health Net.

She served on the senior leadership team for Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) for 10 years, training and motivating more than 4,000 volunteers throughout the United States and Canada in youth leadership skill development.

"Leadership is a vital element of a prosperous and socially conscious society," Karen said, "and I have always believed that today¿s youth are tomorrow¿s leaders."

Immediately before taking the Los Angeles-based position as California Regional Director, Karen worked as a marketing, training and teambuilding consultant. 

"It feels like Karen has been here for years already," Betsy said. "She brings exceptional talents, and her experience with HOBY gives her the perfect skills to apply in our Roots & Shoots California Office."

Karen's first weeks with Roots & Shoots have been filled with planning for Roots & Shoots Day of Peace and the Giant Peace Dove parade in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California on September 23, as well as the California Regional Youth Summit in Sausalito, California on November 3-4.

She's also been busy hiring the new California Program Assistant, Megan Nangle, a recently returned El Salvador Peace Corps Volunteer. With skills ranging from grassroots organizing to volunteer recruitment to youth leadership, Megan will surely be an asset to the Roots & Shoots global network.

"Working with Roots & Shoots volunteers and youth is a dream come true," Karen said.

Are you from California? Get in touch with the Roots & Shoots-California staff.