This week, Allison Walsh welcomes the extraordinary Karen Keene, a visionary leader, advocate, and survivor whose story is equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring.

💡 As the founder of Athena Next Gen Orlando, Karen has empowered more than 500 women through leadership development, mentorship, and a powerful professional network. With 30 years of experience as a senior marketing executive, Karen has been recognized as Woman of the Year by both Orlando Magazine and Orange Appeal, while continuing to shape the future of women in leadership across Central Florida.

But Karen’s story goes far deeper than professional achievement. In 2020, she survived being shot four times in a devastating act of gun violence that tragically claimed the life of her husband. Through years of recovery, therapy, and advocacy, she has transformed her trauma into a movement. Today, she serves as a national fellow for Everytown for Gun Safety, raising awareness about the intersection of mental health and gun violence prevention across the country.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Athena Next Gen became a life-changing program for women leaders
• The story of survival that reshaped Karen’s mission and purpose
• Lessons on resilience, courage, and advocacy after unthinkable tragedy
• Why women’s mentorship, connection, and leadership matter more than ever
• How Karen continues to create impact and inspire the next generation of women

This is not just a story of survival — it’s a story of leadership, courage, and turning tragedy into transformation.

Memorable Moments

• “We knew women wanted a safe space to pass the baton to the next generation — and that’s how Athena Next Gen was born.”
• “When somebody can hold up the mirror and help you see how incredible you are, that’s transformative.”
• “I was shot four times — and somehow, I lived. My survival became my purpose.”
• “Mental health and gun violence are intertwined. These conversations must happen in the same space.”
• “Resilience is built when you take your hardest battles and turn them into fuel to help others.”

Resources & Links

• Connect with Karen: https://athenaleadershiporlando.org/
• LinkedIn: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/karen-keene-profile2023/
• Follow Allison on Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh
• Subscribe to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1505347834
• Learn more about AdventHealth for Women: www.AdventHealthforwomen.com
• Get involved with Be a Mindleader: http://beamindleader.com/

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