Karla Walker is the Director of Community Engagement at Community Catalyst. To the role, Karla brings more than 28 years of leadership experience working for non-profits in public health, justice reform, racial justice, equity, advocacy and organizing.

For the past three years, Karla has focused on developing the Community Solutions for Health Equity (CSHE) program, working with 11 partners across the country to address inequities in their local health care systems by uplifting the histories, culture, priorities, and solutions that communities have to rectify the harm that many have experienced. Karla focuses on program development using a community-connected practice, which is a process that engages stakeholders at all levels, narrowing the power gaps that perpetuate systemic oppression.

In her personal life, Karla works with community organizations and resident groups to uplift an individual’s inherent right to be civically engaged—building upon collective action to activate transformation in systems toward true equity.

Karla received degrees from Mt. Ida College and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.