Karen Rios joined Mujer Pyme as chief operating officer in 2018 to promote the development of women entrepreneurs. She began her career in 2011 at Endeavor Mexico, a non-profit organization that leads the global high-impact entrepreneurship movement by selecting and mentoring the highest potential entrepreneurs to accelerate the scaling of their companies. She held the position of Corporate Affairs Manager for Baja California and later as Marketing and Communication Manager for the Northwest Region of the country. Karen holds a Bachelors of International Business from CETYS University and has more than ten years of hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Emerging Markets 

This project fostered the development of women entrepreneurs with business projects in Tijuana, Mexico. Participants received training that allowed them to create a business plan that was then analyzed by experts. A total of 51 female entrepreneurs participated in the project and developed long-term business plans. The training supported improvement in the survival rate of female-founded and operated SMEs in Mexico.  

"I feel more confident about the future of my business as an entrepreneur now that I know that there are more ways to fix a problem and that I can reach for professional help when the goal is to grow as a person and as a company." - Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Karen participated in the IVLP Project Addressing the Needs of Underserved and At-Risk Youth, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center in partnership with Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, Iowa International Center, Global Ties KC, Global New Orleans, WorldOrlando, San Antonio Council for International Visitors, Global Santa Fe, World Affairs Council - Seattle, World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, Inc., International Institute of Wisconsin, International House and The International Center.

Karen's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "Joining IVLP allowed me to share and learn better practices about non-profit organizations with people from around the world. It was an excellent experience that provided me with new skills for my professional development."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Colorado Springs, CO; Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Des Moines, IA; Indianapolis, IN; New Orleans, LA; Springfield, MA; Kansas City, MO; Charlotte, NC; Santa Fe, NM; San Antonio, TX; Seattle, WA; Milwaukee, WI

Country: Mexico

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