Experience

Creating Better Futures

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• CEO & Co-Founder

  • Nov 2011 - Present

  Reading, United Kingdom 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ - Nelson Mandela Creating Better Futures (CBF) is a Reading based charity that educates and empowers orphans & vulnerable children in rural Zimbabwe. We set up the charity to give back the gift of education that was given to me from primary school all the way up to university. Our ethos is that education is a basic human right for every individual and it is the most effective tool for eradicating poverty… Show more 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’ - Nelson Mandela Creating Better Futures (CBF) is a Reading based charity that educates and empowers orphans & vulnerable children in rural Zimbabwe. We set up the charity to give back the gift of education that was given to me from primary school all the way up to university. Our ethos is that education is a basic human right for every individual and it is the most effective tool for eradicating poverty. CBF projects align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and delivered through collaboration with the local communities. Our projects address the barriers to the children's education such as poverty, gender inequality, child neglect, child exploitation, lack of food & nutrition, lack of sanitation & hygiene, lack of skills and training. We are passionate about empowering the local communities to help themselves in the future. We partner with Non-Governmental Organisations such as Rotary International, Inner Wheel, Soroptimist International, Lions Clubs, Philanthropic Corporates, Athena network, BNI Reading, GB Expos, Newfrontiers Churches, United World Colleges, University Societies and Independent Schools. Our work has never been more needed than now as we support the children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown means they do not have the daily school meals and access to all the resources we provide at school. We continue to support them remotely and welcome your support for our COVID-19 Appeal below. Show less



The Athena Network

• United Kingdom
• Professional Training and Coaching
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Charity founder helping small business owners in the Thames Valley with CSR needs

  • Jan 2017 - Present

  The Castle Inn, Church Hill, RG10 0SJ The Athena Network Wokingham is a Premier Networking Organisation for Women In Business in the Thames Valley, run by the amazing networker, Karen Fowler. People love to do business with individuals or businesses that have been recommended to them. Every day, just by talking to people, we’re passing on business leads. Women in Business Networking Really Works! Focusing exclusively on women in business fulfilling a business development role, The Athena Network offers… Show more The Athena Network Wokingham is a Premier Networking Organisation for Women In Business in the Thames Valley, run by the amazing networker, Karen Fowler. People love to do business with individuals or businesses that have been recommended to them. Every day, just by talking to people, we’re passing on business leads. Women in Business Networking Really Works! Focusing exclusively on women in business fulfilling a business development role, The Athena Network offers inspiring opportunities to engage with business owners and decision makers from diverse industry sectors. Founded on values of respect and integrity, Athena Wokingham is committed to welcoming members and visitors in a relaxed, mutually supportive and ethical environment. Why Join The Athena Wokingham? Athena Wokingham provides women in business with opportunities to make strategic connections with professionals in a wide range of industry sectors. At the heart of Athena Wokingham’s activities, the group meets each month over a good lunch in an attractive venue to make new contacts, develop valuable business expertise and explore visionary ideas. Additional local and regional initiatives provide excellent membership value, through motivational workshops on networking skills and business planning, social events, training courses, business retreats and one-to-one consultancy services. Vibrant and fast-growing, Athena Wokingham is one of the UK’s premier business networking organisation for women in business and is establishing a significant international presence. To find out more our group meeting please email: Karen.fowler@actionstationsmarketing.com Twitter: @karenjfowler, Facebook: karenfowler, call: 07790909971 We look forward to welcoming you at our meeting, every second Wednesday of the month, 12noon. Show less



Toastmasters International UK & Ireland

• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• International Speaker

  • Jan 2014 - Present

  Reading, United Kingdom I speak at local schools, college fraternities, university societies, church groups, Rotary Clubs, Inner Wheels Clubs, Lions Clubs, Soroptomist Clubs, W3A, inaugural events, charity fundraising events and special family events. I share my life story and from it draw inspirational meassages that everyone can relate to.



Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Rotarian: Speaker, International Project Partner, Diversity Officer, Online Club Founding Member

  • Apr 2014 - Present

  Reading, United Kingdom Being a Rotarian is all about putting Service above Self. We have a diverse mix of members, with a common interest in serving the community both in the Reading area and more widely. We are always looking for opportunities to serve other, network and grow. We believe that together we can make a difference.



Blagdon Nursery School & Childrens Centre

• Parent Governor

  • Jan 2013 - Aug 2020

  Reading, United Kingdom Providing strategic management, acting as a critical friend & ensuring accountability. Responsibilities include agreeing budgets, agreeing policies & objectives, recruitment & reviewing the work of senior staff.



Kennet Island Kids Club Founder

• Founder

  • Dec 2009 - Dec 2012

  Kennet Island, Reading, United Kingdom Founded a thriving children's playgroup on a new housing development. Managed & ran the group, on a voluntary basis, for 3 years. Partnered with the local Surestart Children's Centre, who continue to run the Kids Club.