About Us
Meet the Founder – Karen Navarro, MPA
Karen Navarro’s journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and passion for creating inclusive opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in social services, workforce development, and leadership, Karen has dedicated her career to helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) achieve meaningful employment and community inclusion.
Her story began with a simple belief — that everyone, regardless of disability, has the right to work, learn, and contribute meaningfully. That belief became the driving force behind her professional path. Over nearly two decades at Jay Nolan Community Services, Karen built programs that promoted independence and inclusion, mentoring teams and shaping services that transformed lives. Later, she collaborated with a partner agency to design and launch a new Coordinate Career Pathways program, advancing workforce innovation and strengthening collaboration across agencies, employers, and communities.
One of Karen’s proudest achievements was her instrumental role in establishing the Uniquely Abled Academy at College of the Canyons, a groundbreaking vocational program for individuals on the autism spectrum. The program’s 95–100% employment success rate stands as a testament to her commitment to excellence, collaboration, and belief in potential.
Now, as the founder of In Power Pathways, Karen brings her expertise directly to agencies and individuals across California. Through consulting, program design, customized employment, and person-centered planning, she helps organizations build inclusive systems — and helps individuals gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive at work and in life.
Beyond her professional work, Karen continues to lead as President of the California Chapter of the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) and serves on the Santa Clarita Valley Mayor’s Committee for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. Her advocacy extends to community service, including over a decade as a volunteer VITA tax preparer, helping individuals access financial stability and independence.
Karen holds a Master of Public Administration (with distinction) and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, as well as an Associate of Arts from College of the Canyons.
When she’s not leading workshops or consulting with agencies, Karen enjoys traveling, creating with her Cricut, and spending time with her family — living the balance and empowerment she encourages others to find.