What if the American Dream wasn’t broken - just never built for everyone? Karen Losi is a social worker, foster parent, and fierce community advocate who’s spent years on the front lines of public service. In this episode, she joins Kara to talk about what really shapes opportunity, how systems fail families, and why small changes can lead to huge impact. They discuss trauma-informed care, foster parenting, leadership in social work, and how to build communities that actually work for everyone. Whether you’re working in education, dreaming of a purpose-driven career, or just trying to make a difference where you are, Karen’s story is a powerful reminder that empathy is action - and action is what changes lives.

Chapters:

00:00 Growing up in Boston with purpose

02:30 From retail career to social work pivot

05:00 Why the playing field was never level

07:30 What foster care really looks like

10:00 The myth of the “bad parent”

13:00 Trauma, resilience, and the power of one adult

15:30 The hidden cost of poverty

17:30 Why universal programs matter

20:00 The ripple effect of caring teachers

23:00 Advice for anyone thinking of fostering

25:00 What leadership looks like in hard systems

27:30 Defining success in service

29:00 What she’s building now and why

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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