Karen Spencer

Biography

Karen Spencer is a renowned social entrepreneur and systems change expert, known for driving transformative solutions across child welfare, land management, and sustainability.

As the founder of Whole Child International, she pioneered a pragmatic approach to implementing relationship-centred care, significantly improving outcomes for vulnerable children, and earning recognition as an Ashoka Fellow. After 20 years as CEO she is now serving as Board Chair.

She is also a Founding Member and Governing Council Member of Catalyst 2030, a global movement of social entrepreneurs working collaboratively to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

In 2019, Karen expanded her focus to sustainable and management, leading the conversion of 4,500 acres of farmland to regenerative and organic at the Althorp Estate.

Karen also serves on the boards of the Center for Global Development and Integrity Soils advancing poverty reduction and regenerative farming.