Eagle Academy Public Charter School CEO and leadership

I am an innovative and accomplished government relations professional with over 20 years of experience in the development and management of strategies to inform and influence public policy at the city, county, state and federal levels on issues and in areas of interest to various clients, including corporations, government entities, foreign governments, and nonprofit organizations. Expertise in community relations, media relations, and public relations. Most recently, charter school administrator with expertise in operations and resource development.

Karen’s favorite mantra is “Trust the Process.” Karen is an award winning, nationally recognized marketing & branding executive and entrepreneur. Recognized as a social impact leader, brand builder, innovator, storyteller, women’s leadership advocate and authenticity guru, Karen Maria Alston is a nationally recognized award winning proven expert. Currently, Karen is the Chief Marketing Officer for Eagle Academy, a network of charter schools in Washington, DC. In addition to being a senior executive and member of the leadership team at her current employer, Karen has a boutique branding and marketing agency founded in 2002. In 2015, Karen added to her entrepreneurial journey and founded the innovative women’s professional development educational platform, The Spectrum Circle (www.thespectrumcircle.com). Sought after for her marketing, entrepreneurial and political knowledge Karen is a frequent TV and media contributor and has been featured on several outlets including, The Today Show, MSNBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, BOLD TV, TV One (News One Now with Roland Martin), and numerous other podcasts and radio interviews. Karen is an international acclaimed public speaker and commentator on a range of topics including management, marketing, authentic leadership, diversity, wellness, women’s empowerment, branding, sexual harassment, (#metoo), gender bias & inclusion, and the glass ceiling. Karen has received dozens of awards for her accomplishments in leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship, branding, and wellness. Karen is a member of American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network. Karen Maria Alston received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Howard University, an Executive Education Certificate in Branding and Design from Harvard University, an Executive Education Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University, and has completed two leadership programs at Harvard Business School. In 2017, an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard Business School for the Women’s Leadership Forum. In 2018, an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard Business School in Authentic Leadership. In 2019, a Modern Storytelling Certificate from Yale.