Karin Karlekar is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in promoting and protecting freedom of expression, media freedom, and human rights globally. She has a deep understanding of the challenges facing journalists, artists, and writers, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Karin has a Bachelor's degree in History and International Economics from Vassar College and a PhD in Indian History from the University of Cambridge.

Karin has held prestigious roles in various notable organizations throughout her career. She served as the Director of Free Expression at Risk Programs at PEN American Center, where she led initiatives to support writers, artists, and journalists at risk worldwide. Karin also served as a Governing Council Board Member at the International Freedom of Expression Exchange, where she worked to protect and promote freedom of expression globally.

Furthermore, Karin was a Project Director for Freedom of the Press at Freedom House, where she provided research, analysis, and advocacy on press freedom issues worldwide. Additionally, Karin was a Deputy Editor for Viewswire at The Economist, where she was responsible for overseeing coverage of global political and economic developments.

Karin's expertise encompasses media freedom, media development issues, internet and digital media freedom, artistic freedom, governance, and international affairs. She is skilled in research methodologies, indices and indicators, publication management, advocacy and campaigning, emergency assistance and protection work, and program management. Karin's professional interests also extend to promoting and protecting human rights worldwide.