Karin Lion

Karin Lion is the Chief Growth Officer at Activate, a nonprofit organization focused on leveraging data and technology for social good. She has over a decade of experience in the social impact sector, specializing in strategy, business development, and partnerships. Before her current role, she served as the Vice President of Strategy at Digital Green, where she led initiatives aimed at reducing global poverty through technology.12

Her career began as a Field Coordinator at New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, where she managed volunteer efforts and construction projects. Additionally, she worked as a Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, overseeing grants related to global health.1

Karin holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Arts in International Policy Studies from The George Washington University. She also has a Bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Washington and has completed certifications in Business Strategies for Social Impact and Designing Strategy.12

In her current position at Activate, she is responsible for developing strategies to expand the organization's reach and impact, aiming to support 100 new Activate Fellows annually by 2026. Karin is also noted for being an openly queer woman in a leadership role, which she considers an important aspect of her identity and representation in the workplace.23